title: HIV status and sexual behaviour among gay men in Ottawa: considerations for public health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  HIV prevention efforts, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), have not achieved maximum effectiveness. A survey of MSM in Ottawa, Canada was completed to ascertain whether there were differences in how the perceived HIV status of participants and their partners influenced sexual practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-directed surveys were administered to a convenience sample of 721 MSM in Ottawa, Canada from November 2011 through May 2012. Data collection occurred at 14 sites. The survey identified whether participants identified as HIV positive, negative or unsure of their HIV status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicated variation between HIV-negative MSM and those who are unsure of their HIV status. Men who were unsure of their HIV status were less likely to report that they asked sexual partners or have had their partners ask about HIV status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that some MSM may base decisions about HIV prevention on discussion about HIV status with their partners, rather than condom use. These practices may increase, rather than decrease, HIV transmission. Survey findings and extant literature demonstrate a need to inform MSM about the limitations of serosorting as a prevention strategy, and to provide facilitated access to sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment to further reduce onward HIV transmission.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Byrne
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J Craig
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kitson
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bryan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: PUBLIC HEALTH