Abstract for oral presentation at the 8th annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research, in May 1999, in Victoria, BC.

Risk Factors for HIV Infection among Young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal MSM

Katherine V. Heath, Miller ML, Martindale SL, Cornelisse PGA, Schechter MT, O'Shaughnessy MV, Hogg RS.

Objective: To compare socio-demographic characteristics and risk taking behaviours associated with HIV infection among MSM of Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) and non-Aboriginal descent within the Vanguard Project.

Methods: Data for this comparison was gathered from baseline questionnaires completed by participants in the Vanguard cohort study of young MSM. Data collection included: demographic characteristics such as age, length of time residing in the Vancouver region, housing, employment, income and income sources; mental health and personal support; history of forced sex and sex trade involvement; and sexual practices with regular and casual male sex partners.

Results: Of 681 eligible participants who had completed baseline questionnaires at the time of analysis, 57 (8.4%) self-identified as Aboriginal and 624 (91.6%) as non-Aboriginal. Aboriginal MSM were significantly more likely to be unemployed, live in unstable housing, have annual incomes < $10,000 and receive income assistance (all p<0.01). Aboriginals had higher depression scores (p<0.01) and were more likely to report non-consensual sex (p=0.03), sexual abuse during childhood (p=0.04) and having been paid for sex (p<0.01). In terms of sexual risk behaviours over the past year, Aboriginal MSM were no more likely to have had sex with a male partner they knew at the time to be HIV positive, to have had more than 50 male partners or to have unprotected anal insertive or receptive intercourse with their male partners (all p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our data indicate that within the MSM community, Aboriginal men are at increased risk of antecedent risk factors for HIV infection including sexual abuse, poverty, poor mental health and involvement in the sex trade. Thus far, these social factors appear not to have translated into increased HIV risk behaviour such as elevated numbers of partners or levels of unprotected anal sex. However, given the known social determinants of HIV risk, such increased risk behaviours can be anticipated if specific preventative programs are not undertaken.

For more information, contact:

Bonnie Devlin
Vanguard Project Coordinator
608 - 1081 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
Tel: (604)806-8306
Fax: (604)806-9044