Impact of HIV testing and counseling on subsequent sexual behavior.
To assess sexual behavior changes after voluntary HIV testing and routine counseling, we interviewed 235 persons at 2 anonymous test sites in North Carolina. Among the 57 (24%) persons returning for follow-up 1 year later, 70% were male; 44% were black, 37% were homosexual, 10% were bisexual; and 16% were HIV positive. Overall, 28% of returnees at the initial visit and 33% on the follow-up visit admitted to having 2 or more sexual partners in the past month. At the initial interview and at follow-up, 21% of returnees reported condom use in the past month. Homosexual men were significantly less likely to use condoms during anal sex over time (58% non-use initially vs. 74% non-use at follow-up, p = 0.04). No significant net change in high-risk sexual behaviors was found at follow-up. Overall findings indicate that the standard HIV testing and counseling provided by health departments anonymously and free of charge does not result in elimination of high-risk sexual behaviors or initiation of safer sex behaviors among those at high risk for HIV infection.
Landis
S E
SE
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina.
Earp
J L
JL
Koch
G G
GG
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*