Faculty Articles

Intimacy and Sexual Behavior Among HIV-Positive Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men in Primary Relationships

Publication Title

AIDS and Behavior

ISSN

1090-7165

Publication Date

9-1-2004

Abstract

Unprotected anal intercourse among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) occurs more frequently between partners in a primary relationship than between nonprimary partners. Although research supports the role of social support in risky sex, findings also suggest that the reasons associated with risky sex differ depending on both the relationship status and HIVserostatus of MSM. This study assessed whether level of intimacy within a primary relationship helps to explain risky sex among a sample of 78 HIV-positive MSM currently involved in a primary relationship. Findings suggest that both drug use prior to sex and HIV status of the primary partner moderate the relationship between intimacy and sexual risk behaviors. Under levels of low drug use, greater intimacy functioned as a protective factor within seroconcordant relationships whereas it functioned as a risk factor within serodiscordant relationships. Implications for educational and clinical interventions are discussed.

Volume

8

Issue

3

First Page

321

Last Page

331

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy

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Peer Reviewed

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