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U=U: "Undetectable Equals Untransmittable" Perceptions Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Active Duty Service Members: A
Jessica T Campbell1, Amanda N Gesselman, M Colten Staten
1Jessica T. Campbell, PhD, MS, is an Assistant Research Scientist, The Center for Evaluation, Policy, and Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Amanda N. Gesselman, PhD, MS, is a Research Scientist, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. M. Colten Staten, RN, is a Registered Nurse, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gregory Carter, PhD, RN, AACRN, is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Research, Department of Nursing, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
Most active duty military men who have sex with men understand Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), meaning HIV treatment prevents transmission. However, 30% lack this crucial HIV knowledge, highlighting a need for better education.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a vital public health message regarding HIV prevention through antiretroviral therapy.
- Dissemination of U=U knowledge varies among healthcare providers, potentially creating patient knowledge gaps.
- Limited research exists on U=U understanding within the U.S. military, specifically among active duty men who have sex with men (MSM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of accurate knowledge of the U=U message among active duty MSM in the U.S. military.
- To identify demographic predictors associated with misinformation regarding U=U.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, online study was conducted with 222 active duty MSM.
- Participants received an overview of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- Knowledge of U=U was assessed by asking participants to identify the statement 'Undetectable equals Untransmittable' as true or false.
Main Results:
- The majority of participants (70%; n = 156) accurately understood the U=U message.
- Approximately 30% of participants (n = 66) demonstrated a lack of accurate U=U knowledge.
- Logistic regression indicated that lower U=U understanding was associated with being White, bisexual, unmarried, and serving in the Marines/Navy.
Conclusions:
- Despite a majority understanding, a significant minority of active duty MSM in the U.S. military lack accurate knowledge of U=U.
- Targeted, standardized education on U=U is essential to address these knowledge gaps.
- Improving U=U understanding can help reduce HIV-related stigma within this population.
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