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Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
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Messaging About HIV Transmission Risk When Viral Load Is Undetectable: Reactions and Perceived Accuracy Among US
Sarah K Calabrese1,2, Myra A Zaheer1,3, Justino J Flores1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (1999)
|June 21, 2024
Summary
Scientific evidence shows undetectable HIV levels prevent transmission (Undetectable=Untransmittable). However, many sexual minority men, especially those HIV-negative, remain skeptical of this crucial HIV prevention message.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Scientific evidence confirms that HIV viral suppression to an undetectable level eliminates sexual transmission risk, a concept known as Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U).
- Despite strong scientific backing, U=U messaging faces skepticism within various communities, including sexual minority men (SMM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the reactions and perceived accuracy of U=U messaging among US sexual minority men.
- To investigate how different risk messaging levels influence perceptions of U=U among SMM.
Main Methods:
- A survey-based experiment was conducted with 457 US SMM (106 living with HIV, 351 HIV-negative/status-unknown).
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of three messaging conditions: No Risk (U=U), Low Risk, or Control.
- Data collected included reactions, message accuracy ratings, and reasons for perceived inaccuracy, with open-response data coded into conceptual categories.
Main Results:
- Most SMM reacted favorably to U=U messaging, with common reactions including enthusiasm and agreement.
- A significant portion of HIV-negative/status-unknown SMM (24.1%) expressed skepticism towards the 'No Risk' U=U message.
- Common reasons for perceived inaccuracy included risk misstatement, oversimplification, and personal uncertainty about undetectable status.
Conclusions:
- While most SMM respond positively to U=U messaging, significant skepticism exists, particularly among HIV-negative individuals.
- Interventions are necessary to improve understanding and acceptance of U=U, thereby enhancing HIV prevention efforts.
- Addressing misconceptions about undetectable viral load is crucial for effective public health communication.
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