AIDS treatment advances and behavioral prevention setbacks: preliminary assessment of reduced perceived threat of HIV-AIDS
Kalichman, S.C.; Nachimson, D.; Cherry, C.; Williams, E.
Health Psychology Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology American Psychological Association 17(6): 546-550
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0278-6133 PMID: 9848805 DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.17.6.546Document Number: 313226
Recent advances in AIDS treatment have brought renewed optimism for prolonging the lives of those infected with HIV. This article examined beliefs about how new treatments may reduce HIV transmission risk among 298 HIV-negative gay and bisexual men attending a gay pride festival. Results from an anonymous survey showed that men who practiced unprotected anal intercourse as the receptive partner (UAR intercourse) were younger, less well educated, and more likely to believe that it is safe to have UAR intercourse with an HIV-positive man who has an undetectable viral load and that new treatments for HIV relieve their worries about unsafe sex. As HIV treatments continue to advance, new challenges for HIV prevention will likely emerge.