The reasons for the higher prevalence of HIV infection among black MSM have been established

A group of American scientists conducted a study that showed that young black gays and bisexuals are more at risk of becoming infected with HIV than their white or Latin American peers, writes Aidsmap portal.

Dr. Brian Mustansky and his colleagues at Northwestern University identified three key factors explaining the high HIV prevalence among black MSM.

Firstly, the HIV-positive African American study participants had almost three times the standard detection rate for detectable HIV viral load, that is, people in the PLH environment of this subgroup had a higher probability of infection.

Secondly, psychological problems that are closely associated with HIV infection, especially stigma and discrimination, as well as childhood sexual abuse, were more common among black MSM.

Finally, thirdly, despite the smaller number of sexual partners, than among whites and Latin Americans, African-American men who have sex with men formed a rather narrow circle of sexual relationships, where there was a high probability of re-entering contact with an HIV-positive person. Black gays and bisexuals are less likely to share sexual partners with members of the "club", but more often have sex with the same person from the "friendly network."

Thus, several studies have shown at once that the prevalence of risk behaviors among HIV-positive MSM or people within their environment are quite influenced by racial differences.

According to experts, in 2015, over 40% of all HIV-positive MSM in the United States accounted for exactly black gay and bisexual people. According to the authors of the study, if this trend continues, in the near future, half of all African Americans from among MSM will be infected with HIV during their lifetime.