Perceptions of HIV transmission risk in commercial and public sex venues

Abstract

Background Sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) that occur in sexually charged venues (e.g., bathhouse, sex club, public park) are a target for research and intervention due to concerns about the role these venues may have in the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, these efforts often exclude how individuals perceive HIV risk in terms of sex venue use. This paper analyzes how venue-specific perceptions of HIV transmission risk differ across venues and by onsite sexual behavior. Method Cross-sectional data collected using an Internet survey completed by 139 MSM who attended at least one sex venue (e.g., bathhouse, sex club, gym/health club, public park) in the past month. Results Risk perceptions were highest for bathhouses and sex clubs, though no significant differences were detected between any of the venues. With few exceptions, men who reported not engaging in sex or low-risk behaviors (i.e., masturbation or mutual masturbation) during venue attendance perceived higher risks than those who engaged in high-risk behaviors (i.e., anal sex). Interestingly, risk perceptions of public bathrooms, parks, and video/buddy booths were lower for attendees who reported unprotected oral sex with ejaculation than men who reported safer or riskier behaviors. Conclusion These findings provide important insights into how MSM perceive HIV risk in sex venues and highlight a need for expanded outreach and education in locations where sexual risk taking may be underestimated.

Using the Internet in Pursuit of Public Sexual Encounters

“…Second, is this subgroup of MSM riskier than men who engage in sex with online partners at a private residence? Some research suggests that private spaces and low lighting, common design features found in several types of sex venues (e.g., bathhouses, sex clubs), may be preferred as a means of pursuing unsafe sexual encounters (Downing, 2010b). Future research and interventions that target MSM who search for sex partners online should be aware of the places that these men ultimately engage in sex with these partners.…”

Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España

“…Barcelona provides resources for leisure and consumption of paid sex aimed at the homosexual public, as well as places to have sexual relationssuch as gay saunas 7 . These places favor anonymous encounters for men to interact socially and sexually and are perceived as permissive and at risk of contracting HIV by the very users of these places 8,9 .…”

Venues for Meeting Sex Partners and Partner HIV Risk Characteristics: HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN064) Women’s HIV Seroincidence Study (ISIS)

“…MSM studies have identified bars and clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs, public parks, gyms, and other cruising locations as venues to meet sex partners [12– 14]. Some MSM studies further group venues for meeting sexual partners based upon whether: (1) sex occurs on-site [15]; (2) the venue is public (i.e., park, bathroom) [15]; (3) the venue is private (e.g., home); (4) the venue is Internet-based (e.g., chat room, website) [13]; and/or (5) the meeting spot is considered a “gay” venue (e.g., bar, club, internet site) [16]. Venue studies also characterize the places individuals meet sexual partners based on personal characteristics, such as age [11], race, history of substance use, number of lifetime sexual partners [16], sex of the partners the individuals are seeking [10], and HIV-status [17].…”