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Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine logoLink to Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine
. 2003 Sep;80(3):510–519. doi: 10.1093/jurban/jtg048

Attitudes about combination HIV therapies: The next generation of gay men at risk

Beryl A Koblin 1,✉, Thomas Perdue 2, Leigh Ren 1, Hanne Thiede 2, Vincent Guilin 1, Duncan A MacKellar 3, Linda A Valleroy 3, Lucia V Torian 4
PMCID: PMC3455978  PMID: 12930887

Abstract

This study examined awareness of and attitudes about highly active antiret-roviral therapies (HAARTs) among adolescent and young men who have sex with men (MSM). As part of the multisite Young Men’s Survey, 813 MSM aged 15–22 years who attended public venues in two cities were questioned about HAART in 1997–1998. Overall, 45.1% had heard of HAART, 61.6% in Seattle, Washington, and 35.0% in New York City. MSM in New York City who were the youngest, men of color, men who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody negative, and men who resided in New Jersey were significantly less likely to be aware of HAART. Attitudes about HAART were not associated with sexual risk behaviors. Prevention efforts among young MSM should focus on other determinants of risk, but also include information on the changing nature of HIV therapies.

Keywords: Gay men, HIV treatment, Sexual behaviors

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