HIV prevalence and undiagnosed infection among a community sample of gay men in Scotland, UK

Williamson, L.M. and Hart, G.J. (2007) HIV prevalence and undiagnosed infection among a community sample of gay men in Scotland, UK. JAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 45(2), pp. 224-230.

Abstract

<p>Objective: To examine HIV prevalence among men in gay bars in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland.</p> <p>Methods: Self-complete questionnaires and Orasure oral fluid collection kits (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, PA), to collect samples to be tested anonymously for HIV antibodies, were distributed. A total of 1744 men completed questionnaires (66.1% response rate), and 1350 provided samples (51.6% response rate).</p> <p>Results: HIV prevalence was 4.4% (95% confidence interval: 3.5% to 5.7%). Positivity was associated with older age (mean of 36 years for positive men vs. 32 years for negative men), having 10 or more anal intercourse (AI) partners (12.8% positive vs. 3.4% of men with <10 AI partners, P < 0.05), and self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the previous year (12.3% positive vs. 3.5% of men without STIs in the previous year; P < 0.05). Of the HIV-positive men, 41.7% were undiagnosed. More than half had had a negative HIV test result and perceived themselves to be HIV-negative. Men who had not used a genitourinary medicine clinic or had an STI in the previous year were more likely to be undiagnosed (65.0% and 52.5%, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusions: This is the first study to assess HIV prevalence among a community sample of gay men in Scotland. There is an urgent need for HIV prevention efforts to address the high level of undiagnosed infection and incorrect assumptions of status.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McDaid, Professor Lisa
• Authors: Williamson, L.M., and Hart, G.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: JAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
• ISSN: 1525-4135
• ISSN (Online): 1944-7884