Perceived viral load, but not actual HIV-1-RNA load, is associated with sexual risk behaviour among HIV-infected homosexual men

Abstract

Risky sex increased in this group of HIV-infected homosexual men. The perceived viral load, but not the actual load, is associated with subsequent risky sex with steady partners of negative or unknown HIV status. Care givers should discuss with patients not only their actual viral load and CD4 cell count but also their perceived viral load.