Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

In Canada, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) incidence continues to be high, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Identifying factors that lead to unprotected anal intercourse between MSM is important to the development of HIV prevention interventions that target this population. Erectile dysfunction may be a possible risk factor contributing unprotected anal intercourse incidence among MSM. Moreover, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is higher among MSM than heterosexual men, and highest among HIV-positive MSM. Although heterosexual men experiencing erectile dysfunction are more likely to engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse than healthy heterosexual men, this phenomenon has not yet been explored among MSM. However, MSM who use erectile enhancing drugs are more likely to engage in unprotected anal intercourse, especially when used in combination with other illicit drugs. This project aims to explore the relationship between erectile dysfunction, unprotected anal intercourse, erectile enhancing and illicit drug use among HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. A community sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM, who have and have not experienced erectile dysfunction within the past six months, will be recruited. Participants will complete a series of questionnaires at baseline, 3-months, and 6-month follow-up. The findings from this project will not only add to the existing body of literature regarding risk factors of HIV transmission, but will also be important to the development of an effective HIV prevention intervention for MSM who are experiencing erectile dysfunction.