title: A longitudinal analysis of sociodemographic and health correlates of sexual health among HIV-infected men in the USA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexual health among HIV-infected men primarily has been examined in cross-sectional designs. Few have used longitudinal data to measure sexual health change or factors associated with change. Moreover, studies of HIV-infected men disproportionately focus on sexual risk behaviours. The present paper examines temporal changes in sexual health based on measures of sexual activity, erectile function, sex drive, and sex life satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from a prospective cohort study of HIV-infected men (n = 197) in the USA were used. Sexual health measures were based on self-reported sexual activity, erectile function, sex drive, and sex life satisfaction at 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Transition matrices described 1-year sexual health changes. Logistic regression models determined sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with change.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Men reported considerable change in sexual health during the year-long observation interval. Among men who experienced change, younger age, cohabitation, and higher CD4 counts were associated with greater sexual activity over time. Men with more depression symptoms had lower erectile function over time, and higher education and higher income were protective against temporal declines in sex drive and satisfaction. Less disease comorbidity was associated with 1-year improvements in sex life satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some men in our sample experienced sexual health change, but stability was common for most. Temporal changes in sexual health varied according to age, cohabitation, education, income, and physical and mental health covariates. The present paper highlights the benefits of longitudinal investigations and multidimensional definitions of sexual health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, PO Box 117330, Gainesville, FL 32611-7330, USA. jeffries@ufl.edu
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Jeffries
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Zsembik
authors.forename: Chuck W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Peek
authors.forename: Constance R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Uphold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology