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It's not just what you say: Relationships of HIV dislosure and risk reduction among MSM in the post-HAART era

2007; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 19; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09540120600983971

1360-0451

Robert Klitzman, Theresa M. Exner, Jackie Correale, Sheri B. Kirshenbaum, Robert H. Remien, Anke Α. Ehrhardt, Marguerita Lightfoot, Sheryl L. Catz, Lance S. Weinhardt, Mallory O. Johnson, Stephen F. Morin, M. J. Rotheram-Borus, Jeffrey A. Kelly, Edwin D. Charlebois,

HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk

In the post-HAART era, critical questions arise as to what factors affect disclosure decisions and how these decisions are associated with factors such as high-risk behaviors and partner variables. We interviewed 1,828 HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), of whom 46% disclosed to all partners. Among men with casual partners, 41.8% disclosed to all of these partners and 21.5% to none. Disclosure was associated with relationship type, perceived partner HIV status and sexual behaviors. Overall, 36.5% of respondents had unprotected anal sex (UAS) with partners of negative/unknown HIV status. Of those with only casual partners, 80.4% had >1 act of UAS and 58% of these did not disclose to all partners. This 58% were more likely to self-identify as gay (versus bisexual), be aware of their status for <5 years and have more partners. Being on HAART, viral load and number of symptoms were not associated with disclosure. This study - the largest conducted to date of disclosure among MSM and one of the few conducted post-HAART - indicates that almost 1/5th reported UAS with casual partners without disclosure, highlighting a public health challenge. Disclosure needs to be addressed in the context of relationship type, partner status and broader risk-reduction strategies.