NO (SAFER) SEX PLEASE, WERE IRISH - SEXUAL FUNCTIONING AND USE OF SAFER SEXUAL PRACTICES IN AN IRISH HIV-POSITIVE COHORT

This study examined the implications for sexual functioning of having a HIV positive diagnosis. Also examined was whether safer sex was bein g routinely practiced. Findings are reported from first contact interv iews in a prospective study of 52 people with HIV who were ambulatory and living in the community. A majority were infected through injectin g drug use. Results indicated a disruption in sexual functioning that was particularly evidenced by a decrease in sexual activities and decr eased interest in and satisfaction derived from sex. This disruption w as reported in particular by female respondents. Almost half of the ov erall study group reported never or not always practicing safer sex. W omen were found to be the least likely to adopt safer sexual practices . These findings have implications for HIV prevention programmes direc ted at drug-using populations and, more specifically, those directed a t drug-using women.