We explore relationships between place characteristics and HIV viral suppression among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City (NYC). We conducted multilevel analyses to examine associations of United Hospital Fund (UHF)-level characteristics to individual-level suppression and durable suppression among MSM. Individual-level independent and dependent variables came from MSM in NYC's HIV surveillance registry who had been diagnosed in 2009-2013 (N = 7159). UHF-level covariates captured demographic composition, economic disadvantage, healthcare access, social disorder, and police stop and frisk rates. 56.89% of MSM achieved suppression; 35.49% achieved durable suppression. MSM in UHFs where 5-29% of residents were Black had a greater likelihood of suppression (reference: ≥30% Black; adjusted relative risk (ARR) = 1.07, p = 0.04). MSM in UHFs with <30 MSM-headed households/10,000 households had a lower likelihood of achieving durable suppression (reference: ≥60 MSM-headed households/10,000; ARR = 0.82; p = 0.05). Place characteristics may influence viral suppression. Longitudinal research should confirm these associations.
Keywords: HIV viral suppression; Men who have sex with men; New York City; Place-based predictors.