Relapse from safer sex: the next challenge for AIDS prevention efforts

Article Abstract:

Education campaigns have emphasized the use of safer sex techniques to reduce the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by sexual means. A five-year study, known as the AIDS Behavioral Research Project, showed that the majority of gay men living in San Francisco use safe sex practices. The study showed that there was a 76 percent decline in high-risk sexual behavior from 1984 to 1988. However, in 1988, relapse from safer sex techniques to high-risk sexual behavior accounted for approximately two-thirds of all high-risk sex. Reasons for relapse include that unprotected anal intercourse was a favorite sexual act and that there was social support for taking health-related risks. Rates of unprotected anal intercourse varied depending on relationship status, such as whether the men had mutually monogamous relationships or not. The prevention of relapse to high-risk sex techniques is critical in areas such as San Francisco, where the prevalence rate of HIV infection is 50 percent among homosexual and bisexual men. The prevention of relapse in sexual behavior will be the next challenge in the efforts to prevent the spread of AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, HIV infection, HIV infections, Conduct of life, AIDS (Disease), Safe sex

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Decisions to get HIV tested and to accept antiretroviral therapies among gay/bisexual men: implications for secondary prevention efforts

Article Abstract:

Gay or bisexual men who are HIV positive may be more likely to follow treatment recommendations for preventing illnesses associated with HIV if they are better educated about health and have communicative relationships with their physicians. Researchers interviewed and administered questionnaires to 2,593 gay or bisexual men. Approximately one-third of these men did not know their HIV status. About three-quarters of the men who were HIV-positive followed recommended treatment. Factors significantly contributing to following treatment included beliefs about when an HIV-infected person should begin taking antiviral drugs and how effective these drugs are at maintaining health. A third significant factor was the quality of the relationship with the health care professional.

Demographic aspects, Patient compliance, HIV patients

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Differences in sexual behavior among HIV discordant and concordant gay men in primary relationships

Article Abstract:

Men who are not sure of their sexual partners HIV status may modify their behavior accordingly. Researchers surveyed 785 gay men in a primary relationship who knew their own HIV status and their partner's HIV status. Those whose partner's HIV status was the same as their own engaged in more unprotected anal intercourse. This was true whether they were both HIV-negative or both HIV-positive. Couples who were both HIV-negative tended to be younger and monogamous. Some men will choose a partner who has the same HIV status so they will not have to use condoms.

Sexual behavior, Social aspects, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

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