HIV status and sexual behaviour among gay men in Ottawa: considerations for public health

Objectives HIV prevention efforts, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), have not achieved maximum effectiveness. A survey of MSM in Ottawa, Canada was completed to ascertain whether there were differences in how the perceived HIV status of participants and their partners influenced se...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inBMJ open Vol. 4; no. 9; p. e005065
Main Authors O'Byrne, Patrick, Phillips, J Craig, Kitson, Cynthia, Bryan, Alyssa
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 19.09.2014
BMJ Publishing Group
Subjects
Adult
Attitude to Health
Canada
Condoms
Disease prevention
Disease transmission
Gays & lesbians
HIV
HIV Seropositivity
Homosexuality, Male
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
Infections
Male
Medical tests
Mens health
Public Health
Researchers
Sexual Behavior
Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Canada
PUBLIC HEALTH
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Objectives HIV prevention efforts, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), have not achieved maximum effectiveness. A survey of MSM in Ottawa, Canada was completed to ascertain whether there were differences in how the perceived HIV status of participants and their partners influenced sexual practices. Methods Self-directed surveys were administered to a convenience sample of 721 MSM in Ottawa, Canada from November 2011 through May 2012. Data collection occurred at 14 sites. The survey identified whether participants identified as HIV positive, negative or unsure of their HIV status. Results The findings indicated variation between HIV-negative MSM and those who are unsure of their HIV status. Men who were unsure of their HIV status were less likely to report that they asked sexual partners or have had their partners ask about HIV status. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that some MSM may base decisions about HIV prevention on discussion about HIV status with their partners, rather than condom use. These practices may increase, rather than decrease, HIV transmission. Survey findings and extant literature demonstrate a need to inform MSM about the limitations of serosorting as a prevention strategy, and to provide facilitated access to sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment to further reduce onward HIV transmission.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:2044-6055
2044-6055
DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005065