CDC HIV Trends report MSM under 25 high risk

Let us preface this report with the CDC definition of MSM: The term men who have sex with men (MSM) refers to all men who have sex with other men, regardless of how they identify themselves (gay, bisexual, or heterosexual).

Between 2001 and 2006, HIV/AIDS diagnoses increased significantly among men who have sex with men (MSM) while declining in other demographic groups.

Sex between men accounted for more than 97,000 new diagnoses over the six years, nearly half the total number of new cases.

“And the terrible trends we’re seeing among white gay men are even amplified further among minority men.”

“Because of the new treatments, some men perceive it to be a less severe disease than it once was,” said Dr. Richard Wolitski, acting director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. “And this is a new generation that hasn’t been personally affected in the same way that older men have been.”

Of 214,379 HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 33 states during 2001--2006, a total of 97,577 (46%) were among MSM.

Decreases in diagnoses were observed in all transmission categories except MSM (excluding MSM and IDU).

Among males, MSM accounted for 97,577 (63%) of cases. Men aged 25--44 years accounted for 64% of cases among MSM.

A 12.4% (EAPC = 1.9) increase in the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses among all black MSM was observed; however, an increase of 93.1% (EAPC = 14.9) was observed among black MSM aged 13--24 years. Approximately twice as many (7,658) diagnoses occurred in black MSM aged 13--24 years as in their white counterparts (3,221). The largest proportionate increase (255.6% [EAPC = 30.8]) was among Asian/Pacific Islander MSM aged 13--24 years. Among MSM of all ages, statistically significant increases as measured by EAPC were observed in blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.

click here for the full report