A rights-based approach to responding to HIV risk in men with intellectual disabilities

Aim: This paper outlines a rights based approach for responding to HIV risk in men with intellectual disabilities, identifying guiding principles for individual work, HIV risk management and the management of confidentiality.

Method: A mixed methods approach will be employed linking descriptive and experiential case study evidence with a review of practice and wider empirical evidence.

Results: Deficits in practice are evident in relation to HIV risk management for men with intellectual disabilities and raising fundamental legal and human rights

concerns, highlighting the need for clarity in service responsibilities in managing confidentiality and providing appropriate support.

Conclusions: Robust policies and guidelines are needed in relation to the responsibilities of intellectual disability services in supporting men with intellectual disabilities who are at risk of HIV infection or who are HIV positive. These should be rights led, address legal considerations, specify the management of confidentiality and need to know criteria and work in the best interests of service users.