Yale University

Changes in transmission risk behaviors across stages of HIV disease among people living with HIV.

TitleChanges in transmission risk behaviors across stages of HIV disease among people living with HIV.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsEaton, Lisa A., and Seth C. Kalichman
JournalThe Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC
Volume20
Issue1
Pagination39-49
Date Published2009 Jan-Feb
ISSN1552-6917
KeywordsHIV Infections, Humans, Risk-Taking
AbstractAdvances in treatments for HIV infection and related opportunistic illnesses have significantly extended the life expectancy of people living with HIV. A review of the literature on HIV transmission risks among HIV-infected individuals shows patterns of risk behavior that vary according to HIV disease stage. Studies confirm that the period immediately preceding HIV infection is characterized by high rates of risk behaviors, indicating the potential for rapid spread of HIV during acute infection. Reductions in risk behavior are often seen immediately following an HIV diagnosis. However, these behavioral changes are not universal, and an individual's state of health is an important factor relating to transmission risks. Chronic periods of asymptomatic HIV infection are generally associated with some degree of reverting to risky behaviors. CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm(3), resulting in a formal diagnosis of AIDS, are associated with decreased sexual and drug-related risk behaviors. HIV risk reduction interventions for HIV-infected persons, therefore, require tailoring to address the health and psychological challenges individuals face as they progress through stages of HIV disease. Additional research on both risk behaviors of long-term HIV-infected persons and longitudinal data on risk behaviors is needed.
DOI10.1016/j.jana.2008.10.005
Alternate JournalJ Assoc Nurses AIDS Care

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