1 in 3 HIV positive gay men have unprotected sex

A new study has found that one in three HIV positive gay men have unprotected sex.

Washington, May 1 : A new study has found that one in three HIV positive gay men have unprotected sex.

The study was based on a survey carried out between 2003 and 2004 at 90 venues which included men at gay bars, clubs, and saunas in London, Manchester, and Brighton.

The survey collected information on lifestyle, background, sexual behaviour and saliva samples to find out HIV prevalence in these men, reports the BMJ

Researchers handed out about 3600 questionnaires out of which 2640 were completed. 2311 men agreed to provide the saliva samples.

Researchers found that, one in three HIV positive men were unaware of the fact that they had contracted the infection despite the fact that over two thirds of these men stated that they visited a sexual health (GUM) clinic within the past year.

Almost one in five, that is 18 percent, of HIV negative men and over a third (37%) of HIV positive men accepted that they had unprotected sex with at least one partner in the past year. One in five HIV negative men and four out of 10 HIV positive men confirmed of having contracted a sexually transmitted infection.

The authors concluded that although treatment is available and there even is a national policy promoting HIV testing, the infection remains undiagnosed in a significant population. Researchers insisted on renewed efforts to enhance the diagnosis and stop risk behaviours that promotes onward transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

The findings of the research were published in the BMJ.

ANI