Ethnic differences in HIV-disclosure and sexual risk

AIDS Care. 2011 Apr;23(4):444-8. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2010.507757.

Abstract

Little is known about ethnic differences in HIV-disclosure to sexual partners or the relationship between HIV-disclosure and sexual risk. Differences in HIV-disclosure rates between African-American and White men who have sex with men (MSM) were analyzed using data from the Treatment Advocacy Program. In general, the findings suggest that African-Americans are less likely than Whites to disclose their HIV status to sexual partners. The findings also suggest that the African-American participants who disclosed to HIV-negative partners were significantly less likely to engage in unprotected anal sex with HIV-negative partners and partners whose HIV status was unknown than those participants who did not disclosure to HIV-negative partners. Although HIV-disclosure appears to be an important factor to consider in HIV-prevention efforts, there are unique factors that influence HIV-disclosure decisions for African-American MSM. Interventions should consider these unique challenges before focusing on HIV-disclosure as a primary tool for reducing the transmission of HIV.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American / ethnology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Homosexuality, Male / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / ethnology
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology
  • White People / ethnology