Sexual agreements among gay couples show promise for HIV prevention
26-Mar-2013 - ANN ARBOR - The majority of gay men in relationships say they establish a "sexual agreement" with their partner, primarily to prevent the
spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to a University of Michigan study.
Sexual agreements show promise for HIV prevention, but the down side is that only 57 percent of couples actually concur that
they have agreements, says Jason Mitchell, assistant professor at the U-M School of Nursing. Further, among nearly half of the couples one
or both men break their agreement, which outlines allowable sex-related behaviors in the relationship.
Many men fear disclosing breaking their agreement, which may inadvertently increase their risk and their partner's risk for
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. While gay men account for only 2 percent of the population, they represent more than half
of new and existing HIV cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that of the couples who concur about the existence and type of sexual agreement, 80 percent keep their
agreements, Mitchell says.
"From a public health perspective, we need to encourage gay couples to have more honest and explicit discussions when
establishing and honoring sexual agreements," Mitchell said. "Sexual agreements are not only advantageous from a prevention
standpoint for couples, but the agreement can also help strengthen their relationship."
Further, the research highlights the need for strengthening HIV prevention among gay couples.
Mitchell's is the first known study to gather information from both male partners in relationships across the country.
Mitchell recruited participants using paid Facebook advertisements targeting men 18 and older in a committed relationship with another man.
###
The study, "Characteristics and Allowed Behaviors of Gay Male Couples' Sexual Agreements," appears in the Journal of Sex Research .
Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23514544
Jason Mitchell: http://nursing.umich.edu/faculty-staff/jason-w-mitchell
U-M School of Nursing: http://nursing.umich.edu
Contact: Laura Bailey
baileylm@umich.edu
734-647-1848
University of Michigan
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/uom-saa032613.php
For more HIV and AIDS News visit...
Positively Positive - Living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS News
|
