HIV-related behaviors and perceptions among adults in 25 states: 1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Understanding HIV risk behavior is crucial for public health interventions.
• The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) provides valuable state-level data on health behaviors.
• Assessing HIV risk perception alongside actual behavior is important for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HIV-related risk behaviors in the general US adult population.
• To analyze sexual behavior data collected through the BRFSS.
• To examine the association between actual and perceived HIV risk.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the 1997 BRFSS, including sexual behavior questions from 25 states.
• Calculation of annual prevalence estimates for selected risk behaviors.
• Examination of behaviors by sociodemographic characteristics and correlation of actual vs. perceived HIV risk.

Main Results:

• The majority of respondents (77.1%) reported one sexual partner in the past year; 26.0% used condoms at last intercourse.
• Younger individuals, males, and Black individuals were more likely to report multiple partners and condom use.
• Only 4.1% reported an HIV risk factor, and 7.7% perceived themselves at medium or high risk; actual and perceived risk were associated.

Conclusions:

• Most US adults exhibit low levels of HIV-related risk behaviors.
• Individuals engaging in higher-risk behaviors were more likely to report using protective measures like condoms.