Stress and coping among HIV-positive barebackers

AIDS Behav. 2009 Aug;13(4):792-7. doi: 10.1007/s10461-009-9586-2. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Abstract

HIV-positive MSM may report high-risk behaviors-including drug use and intentional unprotected anal sex-as a means of coping. We recruited a diverse sample of HIV-positive men (n = 66) at gay community events. One third of these men self-identified as barebackers. Barebackers were more likely to report drug use and sex under the influence of drugs (i.e., PnP). Beyond this, those who identified as barebackers also tended to report greater stigma, gay-related stress, self-blame-related coping, and substance abuse coping. Providers must attend to issues of stress and coping to engage men who may not respond to traditional risk reduction efforts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Male
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs