Abstract #158  -  HIV disclosure, deception, and sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive men and women
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Prof Eric Benotsch - University of Colorado Denver
Additional Authors:  Ms. Shannon Perschbacher, Ms. Marisa Green, Dr. Mark Thrun,
Aim: To examine prevalence and predictors of disclosure of HIV status, and deception of sexual partners regarding HIV status, among HIV-positive men and women in the United States. Anecdotal reports indicate that some HIV-positive individuals mislead sexual partners about their HIV status. Relatively little research has systematically examined this behavior.
Method / Issue: In the present study we recruited HIV-positive men and women (N=152) from the waiting room of an infectious disease clinic. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic information, social support, and sexual risk behavior. Participants were also asked “Have you ever misled a sexual partner about your HIV status?”
Results / Comments: Overall, 18.9% of participants indicated that they had misled a sexual partner about their HIV status. Individuals who had misled a partner had significantly lower incomes than those who had never misled a sexual partner, t (142) = 2.42, p <.05. The two groups did not differ significantly with regards to gender, age, sexual orientation, or race/ethnicity. Individuals who had misled a sexual partner about their HIV status reported significantly less satisfaction with the social support they receive from others, relative to individuals who had not misled a partner, t (139) = 2.02, p <.05). Overall, 14% of participants reported unprotected vaginal or anal sex in the previous 90 days with a sexual partner who was HIV-negative or whose HIV status was unknown. Interestingly, a history of having misled a partner about HIV-status was unrelated to having recent unprotected sex with a non-HIV-positive partner.
Discussion: Results suggest that at least some HIV-positive individuals mislead sexual partners about their HIV status. Individuals who are somewhat marginalized (lower-SES, lower social support) appeared more likely to mislead a sexual partner. Disclosure of HIV status can reduce HIV transmission, but only if people are candid and open. Additional research is needed to understand motivations behind partner deception.
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