College students' perceptions of advances in HIV treatment and the need for safer sex practices

Advances in the treatment of HIV disease may result in reduced concern about the severity of HIV and the need to practice safer sex. A pilot study was conducted among 258 college students to assess effects of the new treatments on perceptions of HIV and the need for safer sex practices. In a sample of minority heterosexual students 155 (60%) had heard about the new HIV treatments, and perceptions of the new treatments were analyzed for only these students. A small proportion of the 155 students (17.5%) believed that the threat of AIDS is less serious than in the past, and 21% indicated that they practiced safer sex less often since new treatments were introduced. Students with high knowledge of AIDS risk were more likely to report reduced concern about HIV and indicated that there was less need to practice safer sex. Prevention programs should emphasize that the threat of HIV remains serious, and continuing to practice safer sex is important. Further research should focus on factors influencing reduced concern.