Correlates of recent unprotected anal sex among men having sex with men attending a large sex resort in the South

Abstract

Background: Published studies have not investigated sexually transmitted disease-associated risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending U.S. sex resorts.

Goal: We conducted an exploratory study to identify demographic and behavioral correlates of recently engaging in unprotected anal sex (UAS) among MSM attending a sex resort in the southern United States.

Study design: A cross-sectional survey of 150 men.

Results: In multivariate analyses, men were more likely to practice risky sex if they also recently engaged in the practices of having group sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.0), rimming (AOR, 2.0), or if they used public restrooms to meet potential sex partners (AOR, 2.6). UAS was also more likely among men vaccinated against hepatitis B (AOR, 1.9). Men who reported having primary partners and men who reported being HIV-positive were no less likely than other men in the sample to report recent UAS.

Conclusion: Sex resorts can be an important venue for sexually transmitted disease and HIV prevention among MSM. Tailored prevention messages could be warranted for men who report group sex, rimming, meeting partners in public restrooms, or being vaccinated against hepatitis B.