Trends in HIV Prevalence and HIV Testing Among Young MSM: Five United States Cities, 1994–2011

We examined trends in cross-sectional HIV prevalence (a surrogate for incidence) and past 12 month testing behavior among young men who have sex with men (MSM). The Young Men’s Survey and the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System conducted interviews and HIV testing among MSM recruited by venue-based sampling during 1994–2011. Using data from five cities, we determined whether interview year was associated with HIV prevalence and recent testing for MSM ages 18–22 and 23–29 years, after adjusting for city, race/ethnicity, and education. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an overall increase in prevalence among MSM ages 23–29 years, driven by an increase in Baltimore. There was no change in HIV prevalence among MSM ages 18–22 years overall, although prevalence increased in Baltimore. HIV testing increased significantly for both age groups. Gains in HIV testing are encouraging, but increasing prevalence among young MSM in Baltimore suggests increasing incidence and the need for additional efforts for this population.