Protease inhibitor combination therapy and decreased condom use among gay men.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the study was to determine whether treatment with protease inhibitors is associated with unprotected sexual behavior.


METHODS
A total of 592 HIV-infected persons recruited from statewide public clinics in nonurban Alabama communities completed an assessment that, among other variables, elicited information on demographics, current sexual practices, health status, and medication use. Associations of treatment with protease inhibitors and high-risk sexual behavior were estimated, adjusting for potential confounders.


RESULTS
Treatment with protease inhibitors was not associated with whether a person was sexually active or with high-risk practices among sexually active heterosexual men and women. Among men who had sex with men, however, treatment with protease inhibitors was associated with never using condoms and with inconsistent use of condoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians treating patients with protease inhibitors should consider providing risk-reduction counseling.
DiClemente
Ralph J
RJ
Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health and Emory/Atlanta Center for AIDS Research, GA 30322, USA.
Funkhouser
Ellen
E
Wingood
Gina
G
Fawal
Hala
H
Holmberg
Scott D
SD
Vermund
Sten H
SH
D000328:Adult; D000407:Alabama; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D017280:Condoms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*
D011480:Protease Inhibitors