Anxiety Specific Pathways to HIV Sexual Transmission Risk Behavior Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

This study evaluated whether specific anxiety disorders increased the likelihood of sexual transmission risk behavior (TRB) in younger (ages 20–29) versus older (ages 30+) HIV positive gay and bisexual men. Participants completed screening measures for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder, and an assessment of recent TRB. Moderated regression analyses indicated that PTSD was associated with greater risk of TRB in younger but not older men, independent of HIV disease stage or treatment status. Efficacy of secondary HIV prevention efforts for younger men may be augmented by addressing the context of trauma history and consequent mental health issues.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• age
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• sexual transmission risk behavior

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by NIMH grant 5R01MH068746-05 and HRSA grant H97HA 01293 awarded to Drs. Kenneth H. Mayer and Steven A. Safren.