Results from CDC study of men with HIV puts Baltimore at top of 21 cities
”The alarming numbers show us, and epidemiological data show us that over the years, we really need to add resources…. We certainly believe a national investment in prevention would allow us to bring a successful program to scale and allow more people to be tested and linked to care and treatment.”
Heather Hauck of Maryland’s Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration responding to a CDC study that put Baltimore, Maryland at the top of a study on HIV-infection rates among gay and bisexual men or other men who have sex with men. (Baltimore Sun)
”To estimate and monitor risk behaviors, CDC’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system (NHBS) collects data from metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) using an anonymous cross-sectional interview of men at venues where MSM congregate, such as bars, clubs, and social organizations.
”This report summarizes NHBS data from 2008, which indicated that, of 8,153 MSM interviewed and tested in the 21 MSAs participating in NHBS that year, HIV prevalence was 19%, with non-Hispanic blacks having the highest prevalence (28%), followed by Hispanics (18%), non-Hispanic whites (16%), and persons who were multiracial or of other race (17%).
”Of those who were infected, 44% were unaware of their infection. Men who know their current HIV infection status can be linked to appropriate medical care and prevention services. Once linked to prevention services, men can learn ways to avoid transmitting the virus to others. Young MSM (aged 18–29 years) (63%) and minority MSM (other than non-Hispanic white) (54%) were more likely to be unaware of their HIV infection. Efforts to ensure at least annual HIV testing for MSM should be strengthened, and HIV testing and prevention programs should increase their efforts to reach young and minority MSM.”
| CITY | Total Tested |
HIV+ Total |
% |
Unaware they were HIV+? |
% |
| Baltimore,MD | 447 | 169 | 38% | 124 | 73% |
| Washington, DC | 474 | 68 | 14% | 28 | 41% |
Taken from a recenlty relased study by the US Centers for Disease Control called, “Prevalence and Awareness of HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men — 21 Cities, United States, 2008.” (CDC)
There has been some discussion about the sample size, the data collection methodology, and the application of the study’s finding to all US populations — non-urban gay men for example. The sampling does indicate that HIV-infection rates remain high, at least in the Baltimore-DC Metro Area.
In Washington, DC, men may want to pursue HIV testing at the Whitman-Walker Clinic which conducts testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases on a regular basis.
In Baltimore, the Chase-Brexton Clinic provides similar services.
Sheila Johnson of BET fame has released a documentary called “The Other City” in which she says DC has the highest rate of infection:
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