Behavioral and Clinical Characteristics of Self-Identified Bisexual Men Living with HIV Receiving Medical Care in the United States—Medical Monitoring Project, 2009-2013

ABSTRACT

Nationally representative data comparing demographic, risk, and clinical information among bisexual men with other MSM or heterosexuals are lacking. We described differences in demographic characteristics, behaviors, and clinical outcomes among self-identified HIV-positive bisexual, gay, and heterosexual men receiving HIV medical care in the United States. We analyzed data from the 2009–2013 cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a surveillance system that provides nationally representative estimates of behavioral and clinical characteristics of adults with diagnosed HIV in medical care. Altogether, 10% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9–11) of men self-identified as bisexual, 56% (CI 51–61) as gay, and 32% (CI 28–37) as heterosexual. We observed significant differences in demographic factors, clinical outcomes, drug use, and sexual behavior among bisexual men compared with gay and heterosexual men. Providers should consider sexual identities as well as sexual behaviors when developing and implementing prevention programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Bisexual men
• HIV
• HIV transmission risk behaviors
• gay men
• heterosexual men

Acknowledgments

The following are the contributions of the authors to this analysis: M.S.F., L.B., C.L.M., P.S.S, and J.S.: analysis conception, data analysis, wrote the article; C.L.M., P.S.S, and J.S provided statistical and data analysis support. All authors contributed to data interpretation, article writing and/or review and editing. The authors thank the MMP patients, facilities and Community and Provider Advisory Board members. They also thank the 2009-2013 MMP staff.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Funding for the MMP is provided by the CDC.