| Title | 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. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Remien, 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 |
| Journal | AIDS and behavior |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pagination | 1046-53 |
| Date Published | 2009 Dec |
| ISSN | 1573-3254 |
| Keywords | Acute 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 |
| Abstract | Acute/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. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10461-009-9581-7 |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
