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Changed Personal Attitudes Predict Sexual Behaviours Among Men Living With HIV in the Era of U=U: A Half-Longitudinal
Yixuan Li1, Xueling Xiao1, Ziqi Qin1
1Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Introduction:
In the era of 'Undetectable = Untransmittable' (U=U), reductions in condom use and increases in casual partnerships may contribute to elevated risks of coinfection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV super-infections among men living with HIV. These trends may reflect a shift in personal attitudes towards sexual behaviour and HIV risk, yet their influence on actual behaviours remains unclear.
Aim:
To investigate how changes in personal attitudes and safe sex self-efficacy influence sexual decision-making.
Design:
Two-wave longitudinal study design.
Methods:
We conducted a 3-month longitudinal study from March to December 2023 among HIV-positive men (≥ 18 years) initiating ART in Changsha, China. Cross-lagged panel analysis and half-longitudinal mediation analysis were used to examine how changes in personal attitudes influenced sexual behaviours.
Results:
427 men living with HIV were included at baseline, and 301 completed the follow-up survey. Sexual behaviours were associated with personal attitudes, namely safe sex fatigue, viral load/transmission beliefs, and sexual sensation seeking. More positive personal attitudes in these domains at baseline predicted lower safe sex self-efficacy over 3 months, while reduced baseline self-efficacy increased the likelihood of engaging in condomless sex and/or multiple sexual partners. All three personal attitude domains had significant indirect effects on sexual behaviours via safe sex self-efficacy.
Conclusion:
In the era of U=U, the changed personal attitudes among men living with HIV may lead to the increased likelihood of engaging in condomless sex and/or having multiple sexual partners, and safe sex self-efficacy serves as a mediator in this relationship.
Impact:
This study highlights the potential influence of attitudinal changes on sexual behaviours among men living with HIV in the 'U=U' era. Findings provide valuable evidence for developing more targeted interventions that address not only behavioural outcomes but also underlying personal attitudes.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
No patient or public contribution.
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