Sexual risk-taking behaviour among HIV outpatients in Argentina

AIDS Care. 2013;25(9):1077-82. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2012.749336. Epub 2013 Jan 21.

Abstract

HIV prevention strategies must be based on evidence of risk behaviours among people with HIV infection. This study aimed to determine the demographic, behavioural and self-reported disease/treatment variables that predict sexual risk behaviour, defined as unprotected intercourse with a partner of unknown or negative HIV status, among HIV-infected outpatients in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two hundred consecutive outpatients (response rate 76.5%) participated in a self-complete cross sectional survey. The majority (49.5%) identified as heterosexual, and most were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (75.5%). Undetectable viral load was currently achieved by 63%. Unprotected intercourse with a person of unknown or discordant status in the previous three months was reported by 20%. In multivariate analysis, risk was associated with lower distress from physical symptoms (p=0.012), greater distress from psychological symptoms (p=0.038) and being on treatment had borderline association with risk (p=0.058). The data reveal an important link between self-reported experience of disease, and treatment, with risk. Secondary prevention, care and treatment should not be conducted in isolation from each other if outcomes are to be optimised.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / psychology*
  • Argentina
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology
  • Heterosexuality
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Viral Load
  • Young Adult