HIV PREVALENCE AND SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR IN A COHORT OF NEW-YORK-CITY GAY MEN (AGED 18-24)

An ethnically diverse cohort (n = 174) of New York City gay men (aged 18-24) was studied to determine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre valence and to document sexual behavior patterns. Blood tests of 87 me n showed an HIV prevalence of 9%, but only 3% of the previously tested men (n = 77) reported knowledge of a positive test result at baseline interview. An annual HIV seroconversion rate of 2% was observed. Ethn ic minority men were more likely to test HIV positive. In addition, th e median number of both sexual episodes and sex partners, and the prop ortion of men who engaged in anal intercourse, increased significantly from 1990 to 1991. During this 2-year period, 91% of the men engaged in unprotected receptive oral intercourse, and 37% engaged in unprotec ted receptive anal intercourse.