SEXUAL-ACTIVITY AMONG HIV-SEROPOSITIVE GAY MEN SEEKING TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION

Background: With no cure or vaccine for AIDS expected in the near futu re, researchers have tried to locate predictors of high-risk sexual ac tivity and develop interventions that emphasize primary prevention and encouragement of safe sex. This study examines the roles of depressio n, feelings of hopelessness, relationship status, and illness stage in mediating sexual activity among 85 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) gay men se eking psychiatric treatment for clinical depression. Method: Subjects were participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo trial of imip ramine. A self-report was used to assess sexual activity during the mo nth prior to each assessment. Results: Before and after initiation of treatment, a substantial proportion of these men were sexually abstine nt and the vast majority of those who were sexually active denied prac ticing unprotected anal intercourse. Sexual abstinence was found to be associated with feelings of hopelessness (t = 2.8, p <.01), diagnosis of AIDS (chi(2) = 11.3, p <.01), and lower CD4 count (t = -2.6, p =.0 1). Conclusion: The sexual activity of this sample was characterized b y caution or abstinence rather than promiscuity and recklessness. Seve rity and alleviation of depression were not associated with sexual abs tinence. The possible ramifications of sexual abstinence on the mental health and quality of life of HIV+ gay men are briefly discussed.