Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: Gender differences in the sexual risk practices of HIV+ heterosexual men and women.
Authors: Semple SJ, Patterson TL, Grant I
Year: 2002
Publication: AIDS and Behavior
Volume: 6 Issue: Pages: 45-54
Abstract:Although heterosexual transmission of HIV is an important public health concern in the United States, there is a paucity of data on the sexual risk practices of HIVCheterosexual men and women. This study examined gender differences in rates of unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex in a sample of 47 non-IDU heterosexual HIVC individuals (20 men, 27 women) who reported sexual relations with serodiscordant partners. HIVC women reported significantly more acts of unprotected vaginal sex as compared to men. Conversely, HIVC men reported significantly more acts of unprotected receptive oral sex as compared to women. Reasons for not always using condoms varied by gender. HIVC women were most likely to report partner refusal, whereas HIVC men were most likely to report that their partner did not ask to use a condom. Our findings suggest the need to develop behavioral interventions that are sensitive to gender issues, and take into account the importance of relationship issues.

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