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Is 'bareback' a useful construct in primary HIV-prevention? Definitions, identity and research
A Carballo-Diéguez1, A Ventuneac, J Bauermeister
1HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, USA. ac72@columbia.edu
Culture, Health & Sexuality
|February 24, 2009
Summary
This study clarifies definitions of bareback sex among men, finding the term "barebacker" too vague for public health. It proposes distinguishing intentional risky condomless sex for HIV prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- The terms "bareback" and "barebacker" are increasingly used in HIV/AIDS discourse.
- Lack of clear operationalization hinders public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore definitions of bareback sex among men.
- To assess the role of intentionality and risk in these definitions.
- To determine the utility of "barebacker" identity for public health.
Main Methods:
- In-depth, face-to-face interviews.
- 120 HIV-infected and -uninfected men, primarily gay-identifying.
- Recruitment via online platforms in New York City.
Main Results:
- General agreement on bareback sex as condomless anal intercourse.
- Significant variation in understanding other definitional elements.
- The "barebacker" identity lacks public health utility due to its looseness.
Conclusions:
- Re-conceptualization is needed to contextualize risky condomless anal intercourse.
- Distinguishing intentional versus unintentional behaviors is crucial for HIV prevention.
- Focusing on intentionality can improve targeted HIV-prevention strategies.
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