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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.
Abstract:
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a key message emphasizing that antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV and prevents its sexual transmission. However, dissemination of U=U varies among health care providers, potentially leading to knowledge gaps among patients. Little research exists on the understanding of U=U among active duty men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. military. Our cross-sectional, online study examines 222 active duty MSM to determine prevalence of accurate knowledge of U=U and demographic predictors of misinformation. Participants received a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) overview and were asked to indicate if the statement "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" was true or false. Although the majority accurately understood U=U (70%; n = 156), approximately 30% did not ( n = 66); a binary logistic regression revealed lower U=U understanding among White, bisexual, unmarried, and Marines/Navy participants. Standardized education on U=U is crucial for resolving knowledge gaps and combating stigmas surrounding HIV treatment.
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