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The role of bathhouses and sex clubs in HIV transmission: Findings from a mathematic model.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2007; 44(4):386-394.
Faissol DM, Swann JL, Kolodziejski B, Griffin PM, Gift TL.
Abstract
Bathhouses and sex clubs were identified as primary venues for HIV transmission
during the original HIV epidemic. Because HIV incidence is increasing in some
high-risk groups, their potential role in HIV transmission is being examined
again. We present an extension of the Bernoulli process model of HIV transmission
to incorporate subpopulations with different behaviors in sex acts, condom
use, and choice of partners in a single period of time. With this model, we
study the role that bathhouses and sex clubs play in HIV transmission using
data from the 1997 Urban Men's Health Study. If sexual activity remains the
same, we find that bathhouse closures would likely lead to a small increase
in HIV transmission in the period examined by this study, although this impact
is less than that which would be achieved through a 1% change in current condom
use rates. If, conversely, bathhouse closure leads to a reduction of the sexual
activity that was in the bathhouse by at least 2%, HIV transmission would
be lowered.