Incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection related to perceived HIV/AIDS threat since highly active antiretroviral therapy availability in men who have sex with men.
OBJECTIVE
Concerns have been expressed regarding increase in risky sex because of the availability of antiretroviral treatments in Western countries.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this longitudinal study was to investigate the association between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)- and postexposure prophylaxis-related beliefs and the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and new HIV infections in men who have sex with men (MSM).


METHODS
Data on the incidence of STDs and new HIV infection, and the level of agreement with different HAART- and PEP-related beliefs from 151 HIV-negative MSM were compiled.


RESULTS
Of all MSM, 65.6% tested negative for any STDs and 7 men HIV seroconverted. Perceiving less HIV/AIDS threat since HAART availability and younger age were significantly associated with a higher incidence of STDs. Perceiving less need for safe sex since HAART availability was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of HIV seroconversion.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the assumption that there is an association between the incidence of STDs and a decreased perception of HIV/AIDS threat resulting from HAART availability. Less perceived need for safe sex since HAART availability was associated with HIV seroconversion.
van der Snoek
Eric M
EM
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Erasmus MC, 3015 DG Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.vandersnoek@erasmusmc.nl
de Wit
John B F
JB
Mulder
Paul G H
PG
van der Meijden
Willem I
WI
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000652:urine