AIDS treatment advances and behavioral prevention setbacks: preliminary assessment of reduced perceived threat of HIV-AIDS

Health Psychol. 1998 Nov;17(6):546-50. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.17.6.546.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Surveys
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*