Prevalence of HIV Infection and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Individuals Having Heterosexual Sex in Low Income Neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD: The BESURE Study

Data from the 2007 heterosexual wave at the Baltimore site of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, a cross-sectional, venue-based sample survey targeting high-risk heterosexuals, are presented on risks associated with reporting unprotected sex with casual/exchange partners. Recruitment areas were 10 census tracts within Baltimore City categorized as being in the top 20% of tracts most affected by poverty and AIDS in the Baltimore-Towson metropolitan statistical area. Recruitment venues were not attended for the sole purpose of finding sexual partners. The study population was 301 men and women, aged 18-50, who reported sexual intercourse with a member of the opposite sex in the past 12 months. HIV prevalence was 3% overall. Factors independently associated with reporting sex with a casual or exchange partner in the past 12 months were homelessness, age, 4 or more sex partners during the past 12 months, concurrent sex partners in the past 12 months, binge drinking during the past 30 days, and history of sexually transmitted disease diagnoses. HIV testing results suggest that a generalized epidemic is occurring among the population having heterosexual sex in these areas. Furthermore, sexual risk behaviors were widespread in this population, suggesting that HIV prevention efforts in these geographic areas are needed.