A syphilis control intervention targeting black and Hispanic men who have sex with men.

UNLABELLED: There are no documented syphilis control efforts targeting Black and Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) despite recent syphilis outbreaks among MSM and the disparate burden of syphilis among minorities. METHODS: A syphilis control intervention, named the DL STATS PARTY, was designed to promote syphilis testing among minority MSM, through a sexual health and general well-being framework. RESULTS: Of the 461 MSM with complete intake data, the average age was 27.0, 44.7% were Black, 42.7% were Hispanic, 67.9% had sex with two or more partners in the previous six months, and 28.4% reported sex with a female in the previous six months. Although Blacks accessed fewer overall services and physically invasive services, race/ethnicity was not a factor in choosing to be tested for syphilis. CONCLUSION: The DL STATS PARTY promoted syphilis testing among at-risk Black and Hispanic MSM. The program conforms to the CDC Recommended Steps to Mobilizing the Community to Address Syphilis and has the potential to be an example for other U.S. metropolitan areas.

Interventions in the commercial sex industry during the rise in syphilis rates among men who have sex with men (MSM).

OBJECTIVE: Describe sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention interventions targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in commercial sex venues (CSV). STUDY: Compilation of descriptive and evaluation data from the CDC 8-city MSM Syphilis Response on interventions conducted in bathhouses/sex clubs, circuit parties, the Internet, male sex workers, and the adult film industry. RESULTS: Interventions in the commercial sex industry (CSI) often involved multiple collaborative efforts between public health departments (PHD), community-based organizations (CBO), and CSV owners and managers. Education and condoms were provided at multiple venues, including circuit parties, bathhouses, and sex clubs. CBO staff reported one-on-one street and CSV outreach to engage MSM at risk. Evaluation data demonstrate that MSM exposed to media campaigns were more aware of syphilis and more likely to have been tested for syphilis than MSM who did not see the campaigns. CONCLUSIONS: PHD and CBO are using multiple means of reaching MSM in the CSI. Evaluations are needed to determine which of these efforts decreases syphilis transmission.