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Published in: Journal of Urban Health 5/2008

01-09-2008

Sexual Negotiation and HIV Serodisclosure among Men who Have Sex with Men with Their Online and Offline Partners

Authors: Keith J. Horvath, J. Michael Oakes, B. R. Simon Rosser

Published in: Journal of Urban Health | Issue 5/2008

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine online profile and in-person communication patterns and their associations with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in online and offline partnerships between men who have sex with men (MSM) who have never tested for HIV (“Never Tested”), had been tested at least once for HIV (“Tested”), and had tested positive for HIV. Between September and November 2005, 2,716 MSM participated in a one-time online survey. Although 75% and 72% of the Tested and Never Tested groups disclosed a HIV-negative status in all of their online profiles, 17% of HIV-positive participants did so. Exchanging HIV status information was highest among the Tested group, while HIV-positive men were most likely to negotiate UAI. Serodisclosure was not an independent predictor of UAI, although making an explicit agreement to engage in UAI was. Sexual communication and risk-taking patterns differed by testing status. Explicit agreements to avoid UAI were associated with reduced sexual risk-taking. Misrepresentation of HIV status is an identified challenge for HIV prevention.
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Metadata
Title
Sexual Negotiation and HIV Serodisclosure among Men who Have Sex with Men with Their Online and Offline Partners
Authors
Keith J. Horvath
J. Michael Oakes
B. R. Simon Rosser
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Urban Health / Issue 5/2008
Print ISSN: 1099-3460
Electronic ISSN: 1468-2869
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-008-9299-2

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