Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
19:57
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
Increases in Condomless Sex in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Roger D Kouyos1, Barbara Hasse2, Alexandra Calmy3
1University Hospital Zurich Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology ; Institute of Medical Virology , University of Zurich , Switzerland.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|July 17, 2015
Summary
Condomless sex among HIV-infected individuals remained stable until 2008, then increased significantly in recent years, posing a growing public health challenge. This trend was observed in both stable and occasional relationships, particularly among men who have sex with men.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Condomless sex is a primary factor in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Understanding trends in condomless sex among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze long-term changes in the occurrence of condomless sex among HIV-infected individuals.
- To identify trends in condomless sex behaviors from 2000 to 2013 within the Swiss HIV Cohort study.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of data collected from 2000 to 2013.
- Assessment of condomless sex frequencies reported by HIV-infected participants in the Swiss HIV Cohort study.
- Stratification of data by relationship type (stable/occasional) and demographic groups (heterosexuals, men who have sex with men).
Main Results:
- From 2000-2008, condomless sex frequencies were stable or showed a weak increase.
- Significant increases in condomless sex were observed from 2008-2013 for stable relationships (heterosexuals and MSM) and occasional relationships (MSM).
- These findings indicate a recent upward trend in condomless sex behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Condomless sex among HIV-infected individuals presents an escalating public health concern.
- The recent significant increase in condomless sex highlights the need for updated prevention strategies.
- Continued monitoring of sexual behaviors in HIV-infected populations is essential.
Related Concept Videos
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:43Sex Linked Disorders
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...