Factors associated with risky sexual behaviors in older adults

This cross-sectional, correlational study, guided by the information-motivation-behavioral skills model and self-efficacy theory, investigated factors that may help to assess the HIV prevention needs of older adults. The nonrandom sample (N = 106) included single men and women, 50-74 years of age, who were either sexually active or had plans to be sexually active. Participants were recruited from community sites. Data were collected with questionnaires. Data analysis revealed that the participants had moderate levels of HIV knowledge, were highly motivated, and highly confident but continued to practice risky behaviors such as not using condoms with every sexual encounter (67.9%) and having multiple sex partners (34.6%). Higher perceived effectiveness to perform safer sexual behaviors, being female, and condom use were the only independent predictors of fewer risky sexual behaviors. Findings from this study may provide a foundation for future age-appropriate interventions to decrease HIV in older adults.