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New Department of Health Study on Gay Men Underscores Need for More HIV Prevention Education and Testing
New York, July 24, 2008 — On Wednesday, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released the findings of a survey of New York City men who have sex with men (MSM). Researchers learned that 39% of the men participating in the survey did not disclose their sexual orientation to their medical doctors — which may decrease the likelihood of being tested for HIV. African American, Latino and Asian MSM were far less likely to disclose their sexual behaviors. This survey data is consistent with DOHMH reporting that black and Latino MSM make up 77% of new infections in young MSM; and the CDC also reporting a 93% increase of HIV infection among black gay men between the ages of 13 and 25.
The survey's results were announced on the heels of the most recent $5.5 million dollars of budget cuts to HIV/AIDS services from Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council. The cuts to programs including HIV prevention and education programs, HIV rapid testing, clean-syringe distribution, Hepatitis C screening, and substance abuse prevention could mean that those at risk may stay at risk. Further, the inability to talk with physicians about sex because of stigma attached to being gay increases the challenges of preventing new infection.
"Gay men have a full range of health concerns including sexual behavior," said "Dr. Marjorie Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis. "Medical providers need to create a safe and non-judgmental environment in which to talk frankly with their patients about sexual issues. Training for healthcare providers must begin in medical schools and be an essential component of continuing medical education."
This report underscores that HIV testing and prevention programs should be 'strengthened, improved, and implemented more broadly.' Yet these recommendations must be backed up with much needed increases in funding by the City and State Departments of Health. Implementation of comprehensive sex education and gay-affirming interventions in schools has also proven to decrease new infections among gay men.
"Gay Men's Health Crisis and other community-based organizations are effective resources for medical staff in learning how to talk openly with their patients about sexual health issues in order to provide routine HIV testing, counseling and services," added Dr. Hill. "We also have to encourage medical providers to move beyond assumptions about their patients' sexual behaviors."
For further information about the study, go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2008/pr052-08.shtml
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world.
Immigration Equality is a national organization that works to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, to reduce the negative impact of that law on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive people, and to help obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home country based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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