Risky behavior increases male HIV risk

ATLANTA, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A study of young black men who have sex with men, in the Jackson, Miss., area shows many common risk behaviors, federal health officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report said that black men who have sex with men ages 17-25 in the Jackson area who were recently diagnosed with HIV completed surveys about their risk and HIV testing habits, and many had three risk behaviors in common, including: having unprotected anal intercourse; having sex with men age 26 or older; and not getting an annual HIV test.

The CDC and the Mississippi state department of health conducted the investigation after noting an increase in HIV cases among young black men having sex with men at a Jackson clinic. The report also highlights challenges of addressing HIV among young black men having sex with men, including: homophobia, HIV-related stigma, discrimination and socioeconomic issues.

To address these challenges, the authors of the report recommend a combination of

strategies that include: socioculturally specific behavioral interventions, expanded testing programs and comprehensive campaigns to combat stigma.