Longitudinal HIV Transmission Risk Profiles Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV in the SUN Study

Abstract

Examining how multiple concomitant factors interact to augment HIV transmission risk is needed to inform more effective primary and secondary HIV prevention programs for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. The development of a “taxonomy” of long-term sexual and drug-related risk behavior profiles may have important implications for resource allocation and targeted HIV prevention programming. A secondary data analysis was conducted to explore longitudinal HIV transmission risk profiles among 423 MSM living with HIV enrolled in the Study to Understand the Natural History of HIV and AIDS in the Era of Effective Therapy (SUN Study). Between March 2004 and February 2012, participants completed semiannual, audio computer-assisted self-interviews that included demographics, employment status, medical information, alcohol use, stimulant use, sexual risk, and depression. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of risky behavior over time with respect to sexual risk, heavy drinking, and stimulant (i.e., methamphetamine and cocaine) use taken collectively. Three classes were identified: (a) High Sustained Heavy Drinker Class (33%), (b) High Mostly Stable Sexual Risk Class (17%), and (c) Overall Low Risk Class. (50%). Post hoc comparisons between classes revealed that men in Classes 1 ( p = .03) and 2 ( p = .02) were significantly younger than those in Class 3. In comparison to those in Classes 1 and 3, those in Class 2 were less likely to report being a racial/ethnic minority ( p = .04) and had the highest self-reported sexually transmitted infections ( p < .001). Findings indicate the need to better integrate sexual and substance use risk reduction strategies, including brief interventions and engagement in addiction treatment, for MSM living with HIV in the United States.