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One third positive in HIV saliva test unaware

Discussion in 'Physical & Sexual Health' started by dude99, Oct 5, 2009.

  1. dude99

    dude99 Guest

    One third of men who tested positive for HIV in social venues via a saliva test were unaware that they have the virus.

    The results are part of the Burnet Institute’s 2008 ‘Suck it a See’ study in which the findings have been revealed.

    The study, in which 745 men took part, was conducted through gay venues, sex on premises venues, and sexual health clinics throughout Melbourne in June last year.

    The findings reveal that many HIV positive men in Melbourne are unaware that they are infected.

    Head of the study Dr Mark Stoovè, from the Centre for Population Health at the Burnet Institute, said the results reinforced the need for sexually active gay men to have regular tests for HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections).

    “We found that of the men who tested positive for HIV some were unaware of their infection. They believed they were actually HIV negative or were simply unsure of their HIV status,” Stoovè said.

    The study found that 13.4 percent of men recruited to the study were HIV positive. Figures showed that of the 100 men recruited to the study that tested HIV positive, one in five (20 percent) were unaware they were HIV positive. Of the 61 recruited through social venues that tested HIV positive, 19 (31 percent) were unaware that they were HIV positive.

    source:http://mcv.e-p.net.au/news/one-third-positive-in-hiv-saliva-test-6112.html
     
  2. Chip

    Board Member Admin Team Advisor Full Member

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    If I'm not mistaken, a 2006 CDC study reports that about a quarter of the HIV positive men in the US, aged 16-24, do not know they are positive. Similar numbers to the above, and 25+ years into the AIDS epidemic, really tragic and unbelievable.
     
  3. Just Adam

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    kinda scary :frowning2: