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Older men with HIV often have sex without condomsAs many as four out of ten HIV positive African-American men could be putting their partners at risk by not using condoms, according to research in the latest UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing. A study of 130 middle-aged and older men in the USA found that many of the 40 to 65 year-olds were engaging in high-risk sexual practices. The study found that 38% didn't use condoms during oral sex, with 25% having unprotected vaginal sex and 22% having unsafe anal sex. The research also showed that men who were single and displayed fewer HIV symptoms were least likely to use condoms during sex. "Despite the worrying number of men not using condoms, 78% of those who took part in the study were able to answer questions about HIV and AIDS correctly and 25% claimed to be knowledgeable about the subject but still engaged in risky sex" says Dr Christopher Lance Coleman from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia. "These findings are of particular concern as HIV and AIDS rates among black (non-Hispanic men) in the USA and in people over 50 have risen considerably in recent years. In fact, AIDS prevalence statistics for minority men in the USA are staggering." For example: "While we think that our findings are compelling, it would be unwise to conclude that – as with any study – they are representative of all older African-American men who are HIV positive" stresses Dr Coleman. "However, the findings of this study are worrying, particularly in view of rising HIV and AIDS rates in both ethnic communities and the over 50s. They definitely point to the need for further research into why older African-American men with HIV don't use condoms." In 2006 UNAIDS – the joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS – estimated that there are now 39.5 million cases of HIV and AIDS worldwide. And they called for an international response to curb the stigma experienced by homosexual men who are HIV positive. "We welcome this move as we believe it is essential to break down barriers to condom use among all people with AIDS and HIV" says Dr Coleman. "Some studies have even suggested that homosexual men have sex with women to hide their sexuality and HIV status." The authors hope that their findings will add to the ongoing debate about safe sex and condom use and highlight the need for more tailored initiatives to be developed for older African-American men. "Health promotion messages have traditionally been targeted at young people" says Dr Coleman. "But the increased prevalence of older ethnic males with HIV and AIDS makes it essential for health professionals to promote safe sex and increase condom use to this target audience." Source: http://www.news-medical.net/ |