HIV-infected patients’ expectations about emotional and sexual health

Summary Objectives People living with HIV (PLWH) are particularly affected in their sexual life. Medical support of PLWH's sexuality is increasingly proposed however no data are available. We assessed the interest of PLWH for sexual and emotional health support within a French HIV outpatient care facility. Population and methods Anonymous questionnaire proposed to PVWH attending our facility. Five types of consultations were investigated: overall sexual and emotional health; HIV transmission and prevention; sexually transmitted diseases; sexual practices; recreational drugs. Cluster analysis in order to identify groups of PLWH with similar expectations. Results One hundred and thirty-eight questionnaires completed: 64.5% were interested by at least one type of consultation. No significant differences between clusters by gender, age, or sexual orientation. Conclusion These results confirm patients’ demand for sexual and emotional health support in the frame of PLWH's health care. Patients declaring no interest for this type of consultation were no different from those interested.