Are HIV drug advertisements contributing to increases in risk behavior among men in San Francisco, 2001?

AIDS. 2002 Nov 22;16(17):2349-50. doi: 10.1097/00002030-200211220-00021.

Abstract

In winter 2001, we quantified exposure to HIV medication direct-to-consumer advertising and its relationship to attitudes and behaviors among sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees. We found that homosexual men frequently saw HIV medication advertisements. HIV-positive homosexual men with greater advertisement exposure believed HIV was a less serious disease. Men believed these advertisements influenced an individual's decision to have unprotected sex. HIV-positive homosexual men with greater advertisement exposure may be more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Advertising*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Safe Sex / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents