An omitted level: an examination of relational orientations and viral suppression among HIV serodiscordant male couples

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2014 Jun 1;66(2):193-6. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000148.

Abstract

Couples' adopting a relational orientation, when partners regard themselves as a collective unit, is associated with optimal health. HIV-positive men and their HIV-negative partners (N = 116 serodiscordant male couples) were surveyed. Logistic regression showed greater relational orientations of HIV-positive [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 7.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63 to 38.05] and HIV-negative partners (aOR = 6.16; 95% CI: 1.43 to 26.59) and HIV-positive partners' higher income (aOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.13 to 7.70) and lower depression (aOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.97) were associated with viral suppression with no evidence of mediation by adherence. Incorporating relationship dynamics into biomedical strategies is a promising avenue for research and intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • HIV Seropositivity / diagnosis*
  • HIV Seropositivity / drug therapy*
  • HIV Seropositivity / virology
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Compliance
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners