Using patient risk indicators to plan prevention strategies in the clinical care setting

Successful behavioral interventions to promote safe sex must be tailored to the sexual behaviors and relationships of individual patients. The aim of this study is to examine the distribution of unprotected anal and vaginal sex (UAV) and nondisclosure (ND) among categories of HIV-positive men and women based on relationship factors. These factors can be easily assessed and used as a basis for tailoring safer sex counseling in the clinic setting.

Eight hundred forty HIV-positive persons who were sexually active and attending 1 of 6 clinics in California were surveyed. Participants were categorized on the basis of numbers of partners, sexual orientation, type of relationship, and partner serostatus. Self-reported UAV, ND, and duration of the relationship were reported for each category and were examined.

UAV was lower for those with 1 partner (26%) as compared with those with 2 or more partners (50%). ND was also lower for those with 1 partner (20%) as compared with those with 2 or more partners (60%). For those with 1 main partner, we found no significant differences in UAV by sexual orientation. UAV with seronegative main partners ranged from 16% to 20%, whereas UAV with seropositive partners ranged from 37% to 46%. Among men who have sex with men with 2 or more partners, relationships were more likely to be casual, of short duration, and to have higher levels of UAV and ND.

The number of sex partners, type of relationship, and perceived HIV serostatus of a partner influence sexual behaviors and may be an efficient and effective basis for tailoring prevention messages.