Factors Associated with Sexual Risk Behavior Among Persons Living with HIV: Gender and Sexual Identity Group Differences

Abstract

Factors associated with HIV transmission risk may differ between subgroups of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study examined such factors in a sample of PLWHA recruited in 3 US metropolitan areas. Sexually active participants were categorized as gay or bisexual men (GBM) (n = 545), heterosexual men (HSM, n = 223), or women (n = 214). Of 982 participants, 27.1% reported serodiscordant unprotected anal or vaginal sex (SDUAV). SDUAV was associated with multiple (2 or more) partners, using poppers, and lower safer sex self-efficacy among GBM. SDUAV was associated with multiple partners among HSM. Among women, factors examined were not associated with SDUAV. These findings are consistent with prior research and facilitate our ability to target those who may be most at risk for transmitting HIV among HIV-positive GBM. More research must be conducted to identify factors associated with risk behavior among HSM and women.