查看文章

Objective

To examine whether HIV optimism (ie optimism in the light of new HIV drug therapies) can account for the recent increase in high-risk sexual behaviour among London gay men.

Methods

Gay men (n= 2938) using London gyms were surveyed annually between 1998 and 2001. Information was collected on HIV status, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the previous 3 months, and agreement with two statements concerning the severity of and susceptibility to HIV infection. Those who agreed were classified as ‘optimistic'.

Results

Between 1998 and 2001, the percentage of men reporting high-risk UAI (ie UAI with a casual partner of unknown or discordant HIV status) increased: HIV-positive men 15.3–38.8%; HIV-negative men 6.8–12.1%; never-tested men 2.1–7.7%;(P< 0.01). Overall, less than a third were optimistic. In cross-sectional analysis, optimistic HIV-positive and-negative men were more likely to …