Impact of improved treatments on perceptions about HIV and safer sex among inner-city HIV-infected men and women.

Abstract

Protease inhibitor combination therapies have significantly improved the health of many people with HIV/AIDS. Prior studies, consisting mainly of gay men, have indicated that these treatments have prompted reduced concern about HIV and an increase in high-risk behavior. This study assessed the impact of HIV treatment advances on HIV-infected individuals living in inner-city areas. A convenience sample was used (n = 196), consisting largely of heterosexual African-Americans and Hispanics. Almost the entire sample had heard of the latest HIV treatments, and 75% were currently on protease inhibitor regimens. One-third of the sample reported that AIDS was a less serious threat nowadays and that being HIV-positive was not a big deal. Fifteen percent of respondents believed that protease inhibitor combination therapies reduced the risk of HIV transmission, and 10% believed that these treatments reduced need for safer sex practices. As in previous studies of other populations, a significant percentage (23%) of respondents practiced safer sex less often since new HIV treatments arrived. HIV prevention programs need to focus more attention on HIV-infected individuals in inner city areas. Interventions for these individuals need to address changing attitudes and behaviors stemming from HIV treatment advances.

• Authors: Craig Demmer
• Journal: Journal of community health (J Community Health) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 63-73 (Feb 2002) ISSN: 0094-5145 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 11845942 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• HIV Protease Inhibitors

Topics

• Adult
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• HIV Infections (drug therapy, prevention & control, psychology)
• HIV Protease Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• New York City (epidemiology)
• Quality of Life (psychology)
• Risk-Taking
• Safe Sex (psychology)
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous (psychology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• United States
• Urban Health