Using population attributable risk to choose HIV prevention strategies in men who have sex with men
2011

Choosing HIV Prevention Strategies for Men Who Have Sex with Men

Sample size: 1426 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Guy Rebecca J, Wand Handan, Wilson David P, Prestage Garrett, Jin Fengyi, Templeton David J, Donovan Basil, Grulich Andrew E, Kaldor John M

Primary Institution: Kirby Institute

Hypothesis

What is the potential population impact and cost saving from modifying key HIV risk factors among men who have sex with men in Sydney, Australia?

Conclusion

The study found that eliminating unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners could significantly reduce HIV infections among men who have sex with men.

Supporting Evidence

  • Unprotected anal intercourse with an HIV-positive partner was reported by 5% of men.
  • The hazard ratio for this behaviour was 16.1.
  • The average lifetime healthcare costs attributable to this behaviour were estimated at $AUD102 million.
  • UAI with unknown HIV status partners was reported by 25% of men, with a hazard ratio of 4.4.

Takeaway

If men stop having unprotected sex with partners who are HIV-positive, many fewer people will get HIV.

Methodology

Proportional hazard analyses were used to examine the association between sexual behaviours and HIV incidence in a cohort of HIV-negative men who have sex with men.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may be subject to recall and measurement bias.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable due to non-random recruitment and reliance on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

HIV-negative men who have sex with men, primarily recruited from community-based sources.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

95%CI:6.4-40.5

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-247

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication