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A survey conducted by New York city officials and Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) last year indicates that homosexual men in New York City are significantly cutting back on risky sexual behavior.

The study involved 7,650 gay and bisexual men between the ages of 12 and 88 in New York City. About one in seven participants were HIV-positive, compared to studies showing one infection in three in 1985.

In addition, about nine out of 10 participants reported having been tested for HIV, with eight in 10 saying that they had been tested at some time during the three years preceding the study.

The study found that men over 60 and under 24 were less likely to have been tested for HIV.

Use of condoms for first anal intercourse increased to about 78 percent compared to 34 percent in 1985.

While investigators say the study indicates that prevention is working, they also note that more efforts must be made to extend the message to non-white gay men. African-American and Hispanic homosexual men were found less likely to engage in risk reduction behaviors.

Editor's Note: from the New York Times