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. 2021 Dec 3;70(48):1669-1675.
doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7048e1.

Vital Signs: HIV Infection, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men - United States, 2010-2019

Marc A Pitasi, Linda Beer, Susan Cha, Shacara Johnson Lyons, Angela L Hernandez, Joseph Prejean, Linda A Valleroy, Stacy M Crim, Lindsay Trujillo, Dominique Hardman, Elizabeth M Painter, Jacqueline Petty, Jonathan H Mermin, Demetre C Daskalakis, H Irene Hall

Vital Signs: HIV Infection, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men - United States, 2010-2019

Marc A Pitasi et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for two thirds of new HIV infections in the United States in 2019 despite representing approximately 2% of the adult population.

Methods: CDC analyzed surveillance data to determine trends in estimated new HIV infections and to assess measures of undiagnosed infection and HIV prevention and treatment services including HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and viral suppression, as well as HIV-related stigma.

Results: The estimated number of new HIV infections among MSM was 25,100 in 2010 and 23,100 in 2019. New infections decreased significantly among White MSM but did not decrease among Black or African American (Black) MSM and Hispanic/Latino MSM. New infections increased among MSM aged 25-34 years. During 2019, approximately 83% of Black MSM and 80% of Hispanic/Latino MSM compared with 90% of White MSM with HIV had received an HIV diagnosis. The lowest percentage of diagnosed infection was among MSM aged 13-24 years (55%). Among MSM with a likely PrEP indication, discussions about PrEP with a provider and PrEP use were lower among Black MSM (47% and 27%, respectively) and Hispanic/Latino MSM (45% and 31%) than among White MSM (59% and 42%). Among MSM with an HIV diagnosis, adherence to ART and viral suppression were lower among Black MSM (48% and 62%, respectively) and Hispanic/Latino MSM (59% and 67%) compared with White MSM (64% and 74%). Experiences of HIV-related stigma among those with an HIV diagnosis were higher among Black MSM (median = 33; scale = 0-100) and Hispanic/Latino MSM (32) compared with White MSM (26). MSM aged 18-24 years had the lowest adherence to ART (45%) and the highest median stigma score (39).

Conclusion: Improving access to and use of HIV services for MSM, especially Black MSM, Hispanic/Latino MSM, and younger MSM, and addressing social determinants of health, such as HIV-related stigma, that contribute to unequal outcomes will be essential to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Figures

FIGURE
FIGURE
Estimated number of new HIV infections among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, by race/ethnicity and age category — United States, 2010–2019 Abbreviation: MSM = men who have sex with men.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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