Sexual transmission risk perceptions and behavioural correlates of HIV concentrations in semen

Abstract

HIV transmission risk behaviours are related to perceived infectiousness and HIV-positive men who have undetectable blood viral loads may practise less protective behaviours. The current study extends previous research by reporting the association between perceived HIV transmission risks, risk behaviours and viral load in semen. Results showed significant associations between perceived risks for transmitting HIV, unprotected intercourse and viral load in semen. Further analyses showed that men with greater concentrations of HIV in their semen were practising higher rates of transmission risk behaviours while perceiving less risk for potentially transmitting HIV. We conclude that behavioural interventions are needed for HIV-positive men to inform them that HIV infectiousness cannot be inferred from peripheral blood viral loads and to support maintenance of HIV risk reduction behaviours.