health
HIV infections rising among young black men who have sex with men
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 22, 2011
The overall number of new HIV infections in the United States remained relatively stable between 2006 and 2009, with about 50,000 new infections reported each year, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in the journal PLoS ONE. However, infections increased for young men who have sex with men, particularly among black men.
Researchers examined Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data on individuals 13 and older who were diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2009. The data were collected in 16 states and two cities (Chicago and Philadelphia).
The study found that although men who have sex with men represent only 2% of the U.S. population, these men accounted for the majority (61%) of all new HIV infections in 2009 (link). Among young black men who have sex with men, the number of HIV diagnoses climbed from 4,400 in 2006 to 6,500 in 2009.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/22/hlbf0822.htm.
