CAHSS Faculty Articles
Impact of HIV Counseling and Testing on HIV-Infected Men who have Sex with Men: The South Beach Health Survey
Department
Department of Justice and Human Services
Publication Date
6-1998
Publication Title
AIDS and Behavior
ISSN
1573-3254
Volume
2
Issue/No.
2
First Page
115
Last Page
126
Abstract
The impact of HIV counseling and testing on sexual risk-taking and related behaviors reported by HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) was examined in a cross-sectional study conducted among a representative sample of residents living in a resort area. Participants provided specimens of oral mucosal transudate for HIV-antibody testing, were interviewed in their homes, and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Specimens were tested by modified ELISA and, if repeatedly positive, confirmed by Western blot. Of 205 men enrolled, 51 (24.9%) tested positive for antibody to HIV. All 51 had been counseled and tested for antibody to HIV-1 (median = 4 tests); 37 (74%) of 50 reported that their most recent test was positive. Twenty (39.2%) said they had engaged in unprotected insertive anal intercourse in the past year; 15 (29.4%) engaged in unprotected insertive anal intercourse with partners who may have been susceptible to HIV infection. Men who reported that their last HIV-antibody test was positive were three times more likely to have engaged in unprotected insertive anal intercourse in the past year (45.9%) as those who did not know they were infected with HIV (15.4%). Counseling and testing is ineffective as a measure for promoting behavior change among HIV-positive MSM in South Beach. More effective social and behavioral interventions must be developed, implemented, and evaluated.
NSUWorks Citation
Darrow, W. W., Webster, R. D., Kurtz, S. P., Buckley, A. K., Patel, K. I., & Stempel, R. R. (1998). Impact of HIV Counseling and Testing on HIV-Infected Men who have Sex with Men: The South Beach Health Survey. AIDS and Behavior, 2 (2), 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022142812952
ORCID ID
0000-0001-7198-6119
ResearcherID
H-3010-2014
DOI
10.1023/A:1022142812952