A Latent Class Analysis of Seroadaptation among Gay and Bisexual Men
Date
2018
Authors
Card, Kiffer G.
Lachowsky, Nathan J.
Cui, Zishan
Carter, Allison
Armstrong, Heather
Shurgold, Susan
Moore, David
Hogg, Robert S.
Roth, Eric A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Abstract
Initial research into seroadaptive strategies suggests that, individually, they are potentially effective
behavioral methods to reduce risk of HIV transmission. Combining strategies, therefore, has the
potential to increase risk reduction. The aim of this study was to determine how gay and bisexual
men (GBM) combine strategies. To this end, a total of 774 sexually active GBM, aged ≥16 years,
in Metro Vancouver, Canada were recruited. Stratified by self-reported HIV status, latent class
analysis of self-reported condom use, strategic positioning, anal sex avoidance, serosorting, viralload
sorting, and withdrawal were conducted. Multinomial logistical regression identified
explanatory variables of class membership (i.e., sensation seeking, treatment optimism, sexual
altruism, relationship status, number of partners, anal sex preference). Four latent classes were
identified: Condom Users, Multiple Prevention Users, Viral-Load Sorters, and Serosorters. The
majority of HIV-negative/unknown men (72%) and a large proportion of HIV-positive men (42%)
belonged to the Condom Users class. Class membership was associated with age, relationship
status, treatment optimism, sexual altruism, sensation seeking, number of recent male anal sex partners, and recent condomless anal sex with a serodiscordant or unknown-status partner.
Understanding these distinct patterns allows for tailored interventions addressing GBM’s sexual
health needs.
Description
The authors would like to thank the Momentum Health Study participants, office staff, and community advisory
board, Kirk J. Hepburn, who edited this manuscript, as well as our community partner agencies: Health Initiative
for Men, YouthCO HIV & Hep C Society, and Positive Living Society of BC.
Keywords
Seroadaptation, Latent Class Analysis, Gay and Bisexual Men, HIV, Sexual orientation, Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC), Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR)
Citation
Card, K. G., Lachowsky, N. J., Cui, Z., Carter, A., Armstrong, H., Shurgold, S., Moore, D., Hogg, R. S., & Roth, E. A. (2018). “A Latent Class Analysis of Seroadaptation Among Gay and Bisexual Men.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(1), 95-106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0879-z