Sexual behaviors in the past year were examined in interviews with seropositive adults in a non-urban, Southeastern US, HIV clinic sample (N=107; 67% male; 74% African-American; 33% diagnosed with AIDS, 83% on HIV medications). Previous studies showing PWLAs engage in unprotected sex were in mostly urban, educated, gay/bisexual, white men. This sample includes heterosexual (44%), gay/lesbian (35%), and bisexual (20%) PWLAs. 76%(N=81) had sexual relations in the past year. 40%(N=43) worried about passing HIV through sex. 58% chose not to have sex at least sometimes to avoid spreading HIV; 59% masturbated instead of having sex, some of the time. For those with a main sex partner (67%, N=72), 43% had partners (N=31) who were not HIV-infected, and 44% (N=32) reported unprotected sex in the past year. Fourteen respondents always had unprotected sex with their main partner. For those with other sex partners (34%, N=36), 31% (N=11) had partners who were not HIV-infected, and 53%(N=19) had unprotected sex with their other partners. Three respondents always had unprotected sex with their other partners. Among the 81 sexually active respondents, 7 saw their sexual behaviors in the last year were illegal and 74 did not. This study of a largely rural/small city, African-American, Southeastern U.S. sample demonstrates that a significant number of persons with HIV are engaging in unprotected sex and may pose a public health issue. The findings suggest that health educational and behavioral interventions be undertaken for PWLAs in non-urban communities in the Southeast. Support by UNC CFAR grant (9P30 AI50410).
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify sexual risk behaviors among PWLAs. 2. Articulate the barriers and facilitators to safer intimate relations between PWLAs and partners. 3. Estimate the degree to which unprotected sex occurs between PWLAs and their main or other sex partners. 4. Understand the impact of HIV care and treatment on sexual risk behaviors.
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.