Yale University

Lack of understanding of acute HIV infection among newly-infected persons-implications for prevention and public health: The NIMH Multisite Acute HIV Infection Study: II.

TitleLack of understanding of acute HIV infection among newly-infected persons-implications for prevention and public health: The NIMH Multisite Acute HIV Infection Study: II.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsRemien, Robert H., Jenny A. Higgins, Jackie Correale, Jose Bauermeister, Robert Dubrow, Mark Bradley, Wayne T. Steward, David W. Seal, Kathleen J. Sikkema, Peter R. Kerndt, Kenneth H. Mayer, Hong-Ha M. Truong, Corinna Young Casey, Anke A. Ehrhardt, and Stephen F. Morin
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume13
Issue6
Pagination1046-53
Date Published2009 Dec
ISSN1573-3254
KeywordsAcute Disease, AIDS Serodiagnosis, Awareness, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Male, National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.), Questionnaires, Risk Factors, United States, Young Adult
AbstractAcute/early HIV infection is a period of high HIV transmission. Consequently, early detection of HIV infection and targeted HIV prevention could prevent a significant proportion of new transmissions. As part of an NIMH-funded multisite study, we used in-depth interviews to explore understandings of acute HIV infection (AHI) among 34 individuals diagnosed with acute/early HIV infection in six US cities. We found a marked lack of awareness of AHI-related acute retroviral symptoms and a lack of clarity about AHI testing methods. Most participants knew little about the meaning and/or consequences of AHI, particularly that it is a period of elevated infectiousness. Over time and after the acute stage of infection, many participants acquired understanding of AHI from varied sources, including the Internet, HIV-infected friends, and health clinic employees. There is a need to promote targeted education about AHI to reduce the rapid spread of HIV associated with acute/early infection within communities at risk for HIV.
DOI10.1007/s10461-009-9581-7
Alternate JournalAIDS Behav

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