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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 7/2016

01-07-2016 | Original Paper

Relationship Dynamics and Partner Beliefs About Viral Suppression: A Longitudinal Study of Male Couples Living with HIV/AIDS (The Duo Project)

Authors: Amy A. Conroy, Kristi E. Gamarel, Torsten B. Neilands, Samantha E. Dilworth, Lynae A. Darbes, Mallory O. Johnson

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 7/2016

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Abstract

Accurate beliefs about partners’ viral suppression are important for HIV prevention and care. We fit multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models to examine associations between partners’ viral suppression beliefs and objective HIV RNA viral load tests, and whether relationship dynamics were associated with accurate viral suppression beliefs over time. Male couples (N = 266 couples) with at least one HIV-positive partner on antiretroviral therapy completed five assessments over 2 years. Half of the 407 HIV-positive partners were virally suppressed. Of the 40 % who had inaccurate viral load beliefs, 80 % assumed their partner was suppressed. The odds of having accurate viral load beliefs decreased over time (OR = 0.83; p = 0.042). Within-couple differences in dyadic adjustment (OR = 0.66; p < 0.01) and commitment (OR = 0.82; p = 0.022) were negatively associated with accurate viral load beliefs. Beliefs about a partner’s viral load may factor into sexual decision-making and social support. Couple-based approaches are warranted to improve knowledge of partners’ viral load.
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Metadata
Title
Relationship Dynamics and Partner Beliefs About Viral Suppression: A Longitudinal Study of Male Couples Living with HIV/AIDS (The Duo Project)
Authors
Amy A. Conroy
Kristi E. Gamarel
Torsten B. Neilands
Samantha E. Dilworth
Lynae A. Darbes
Mallory O. Johnson
Publication date
01-07-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1423-9

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