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. 2022 Oct;26(10):3199-3209.
doi: 10.1007/s10461-022-03655-z. Epub 2022 Apr 2.

Longitudinal Changes in, and Factors Associated with, the Frequency of Condomless Sex Among People in Care for HIV Infection, HIV Outpatient Study USA, 2007-2019

Collaborators, Affiliations

Longitudinal Changes in, and Factors Associated with, the Frequency of Condomless Sex Among People in Care for HIV Infection, HIV Outpatient Study USA, 2007-2019

Marcus D Durham et al. AIDS Behav. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

During 2007-2019, the percentage of HIV Outpatient Study participants reporting anal or vaginal condomless sex in the past 6 months ranged from a low of 17% among heterosexual males to 59% for men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM reported having had condomless sex more frequently than heterosexual males and females and were the only group in which an increase in condomless sex was observed during the study period (from 39 to 59%). Although persons with undetectable HIV viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV sexually (U = U), there is still the potential risk of transmission or acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when engaging in condomless sex. Continuing education about risks of HIV and STI transmission as well as ongoing screening for and treatment of STIs, retention in HIV treatment, and support for sexual health are critical components of care for people living with HIV.

Keywords: Condomless sex; HIV; Longitudinal; Risk behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest The authors do not have any associations that may pose a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Selection steps outlining patients included in the current analysis, HIV Outpatient Study 2000–2019, USA, (N = 2193)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Reported frequency of condomless anal or vaginal sex by sociodemographic group and calendar year with a partners of any HIV status and b partners of HIV negative/unknown status, HIV Outpatient Study, USA, 2007–2019 (N = 2193). a Linear regressions of the frequency of condomless sex by MSM during 2008–2011 and 2011–2019 were the following: 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.93, P = 0.001), and 1.53 (95% CI 1.26–1.86, P < 0.001), respectively. Similar linear regression results for heterosexual males and all females were not statistically significant. Het heterosexual; MSM men who have sex with men. b Linear regressions of the frequency of condomless sex with partners of negative or unknown HIV status by MSM during 2008–2011 and 2011–2019 were the following: 0.77 (95% CI 0.69–0.87, P < 0.001), and 1.65 (95% CI 1.34–2.13, P < 0.001), respectively. Similar linear regression results for heterosexual males and all females were not statistically significant

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