TheBodyPro | Expert analysis from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.
If something is unequivocally true, does it matter whether we believe it or not? That’s one of the questions worth grappling with in the wake of newly published study results out of the United Kingdom, where the concept of “undetectable equals untransmittable” (U=U) remains a matter of doubt among many people living with HIV, even when they’re virally suppressed.
What’s that got to do with our clinical practice? Let’s dive in.
Key takeaways
- Although 92% of survey participants living with HIV in the UK knew about U=U, only 65% strongly believed that viral suppression prevents sexual transmission, with wide demographic variation in belief rates.
- Doubts about U=U were associated with greater HIV-related self-stigma, anxiety, and lower sexual satisfaction, although we need to be careful about inferring causality.
- The findings underline the importance of raising and routinely discussing U=U with patients, assessing their understanding and confidence, and addressing barriers or mistrust.
Read the full analysis here.
Source : TheBodyPro
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