Objectives: To identify medical, demographic, and behavioral factors that predict non-adherence to HIV therapies and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among HIV-positive gay men. Study Design: Cross sectional, mail administered survey. Method: We analyzed self-reported adherence, demographic, health status, and sexual behavior data from 1133 gay men living with HIV/AIDS. The sample was drawn from clients of an AIDS Service Organization (ASO). The outcome variables for the study were non-adherence to prescribed HIV medications and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the last six months with HIV-negative partners or partners whose HIV status was unknown to subjects. Non-adherence was assigned if subjects reported not taking their medications exactly as prescribed in the past 7 days. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors at a significance level of p<.05. Results: Non-adherence and UAI bi-directionally predicted one another. Having an AIDS diagnosis predicted non-adherence. Reporting multiple sex partners, reporting inhalant use in the last six months, and being between 19 and 39 years of age predicted UAI. Conclusion: Continuous maintenance of HAART is essential for treatment efficacy. Lowering viral load is theorized to reduce chances of HIV transmission. Understanding the sexual risk behaviors of HIV-positive gay men is essential for reducing HIV infection rates. Programs to increase adherence and reduce UAI among gay men with HIV/AIDS need to address multiple medical and behavioral factors. These findings provide information that can be used to develop programs addressing the twin problems of non-adherence and sexual risk behaviors among HIV positive gay men.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the in-service training, the participants in this session will be able to: (1) Identify predictors of non-adherence among gay men with HIV/AIDS. (2) Identify predictors of unprotected anal intercourse among gay men with HIV/AIDS. (3) Use information provided to develop programs that address both non-adherence and sexual risk behaviors among HIV positive gay men
Keywords: Adherence, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.