Mental health treatment to reduce HIV transmission risk behavior: a positive prevention model.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Secondary HIV prevention, or "positive prevention," is concerned with reducing HIV transmission risk behavior and optimizing the health and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The association between mental health and HIV transmission risk (i.e., sexual risk and poor medication adherence) is well established, although most of this evidence is observational. Further, a number of efficacious mental health treatments are available for PLWHA yet few positive prevention interventions integrate mental health treatment. We propose that mental health treatment, including behavioral and pharmacologic interventions, can lead to reductions in HIV transmission risk behavior and should be a core component of secondary HIV prevention. We present a conceptual model and recommendations to guide future research on the effect of mental health treatment on HIV transmission risk behavior among PLWHA.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Sikkema, KJ; Watt, MH; Drabkin, AS; Meade, CS; Hansen, NB; Pence, BW

Published Date

  • April 2010

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 14 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 252 - 262

PubMed ID

  • 20013043

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC2835810

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-3254

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10461-009-9650-y

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States