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267642 Similarities and differences in strategies used to reduce HIV risk within and outside of the relationship among a large sample of gay male couples in the U.SMonday, October 29, 2012
: 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
A growing body of research has emerged to better understand how relationship dynamics affect HIV risk among gay male couples. Recent research also indicates that gay men and other MSM use a variety of strategies to reduce their HIV risk. However, few studies with gay male couples have compared how these strategies differ within and outside of the couple's relationship, and by the couples' HIV serostatus. Examining how couples manage their sexual risk within and outside the context of their relationship is important for future development of HIV/STD prevention interventions. Accordingly, the present study assessed whether the risk reduction strategies used by gay male couples differed within and outside of their relationship, and by the couples' HIV serostatus. In this cross sectional study, dyadic data from a convenience sample of 361 dyads were collected electronically throughout the U.S. Men in each dyad completed the questionnaire independently. Descriptive statistics and multilevel modeling were used to compare differences and assess similarities of risk reduction strategies employed among the sample. Results from this study found that besides using condoms, men used a variety of different risk reduction strategies, including: oral sex only, strategic positioning, serosorting, withdrawal, undetectable viral load, and others. Some men also did not use a risk reduction strategy. Of importance, some strategies statistically differed within and outside of the couple's relationship, and by the couples' HIV serostatus. Other results will be presented and implications for development of programs to prevent HIV transmission among gay male couples will be discussed.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related researchSocial and behavioral sciences Learning Objectives: Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Gay Men
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I received my doctorate in Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Promotion. My research focus and expertise is in examining how relationship factors and strategies affect HIV risk among gay male couples. I am currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin. In July, I will then begin my appointment at the University of Michigan as an Assistant Professor. 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.
Back to: 3041.0: Domestic Issues in HIV Prevention
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