The Mid Atlantic CFAR Consortium (MACC) has published its first paper in JAIDS entitled, "Characteristics of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.: Geographic Diversity in Socio-Demographics and HIV Transmission Risk". The MACC, comprised of the JHU, DC and Penn CFARS, was formed in May 2014 in response to a shared concern about the HIV epidemic among black MSM, and in particular young black MSM, in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
This article discusses a study that looked at socio-demographic characteristics, HIV risk behaviors, and service utilization in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, to explore similarities and differences that could inform local and regional HIV intervention approaches. The researchers found that compared with the other 2 cities, Baltimore participants were less likely to identify as gay/homosexual; more likely to report unemployment, incarceration, homelessness, sex exchange; and least likely to use the internet for partners. DC participants were more likely to have a college degree and employment. Philadelphia participants were more likely to report gay/homosexual identity, receptive condomless anal sex, having only main partners, and bars/clubs as partner meeting places. Additionally, sexually transmitted disease testing was universally low.
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