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Abstract #164698

• Handout (free access)

Paul Kadetz, APRN-BC, MSN, MPH, International Health & Development, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1832 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, 504-655-2452, pkadetz@tulane.edu

Purposeful HIV sero-conversion in men who have sex with men (MSM) has been alluded to in the popular press and in at least two international research journals within the past decade. However, the primary focus in the literature has been on the prevalence of this behavior and little research has attempted to answer the question of why this behavior is occurring. 100 MSM were randomly selected for ethnographic interviews, which were conducted either in-person or on-line. Questions regarding current and past sexual behavior, as well as reasons for seeking HIV sero-conversion were asked of each informant. Responses were analyzed utilizing Nvivo and Xsight software. Preliminary findings indicate that informant explanations for this phenomenon can be grouped into several discrete thematic categories. The implications of this study are relevant for designing efficacious HIV counseling interventions that truly address the behaviors of all segments of the population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants should be able to

1) Identify the need for re-evaluation of current HIV counseling interventions.
• Recognize and articulate that purposeful HIV sero-conversion is occuring in a subpopulation of men who have sex with men.
• Demonstrate an understanding for some of the possible reasons that this phenomenon is occuring.

Keywords: Behavioral Research, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Handout (free access)