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Psychological factors that predict AIDS high-risk versus AIDS precautionary behavior
J A Kelly1, J S St Lawrence, T L Brasfield
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Many men who visit gay bars engage in high-risk sexual behaviors like unprotected anal intercourse. Peer norms and risk perception, not HIV status knowledge, influenced these behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding risk factors for HIV transmission in specific populations is crucial for prevention efforts.
- Gay and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse among men attending gay bars.
- To identify psychological and behavioral factors associated with high-risk sexual behavior and safer sex practices.
- To investigate the role of perceived peer norms, health locus of control, and risk perception in HIV risk behavior.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 526 men who patronized gay bars in three cities.
- Participants completed self-report measures assessing sexual behavior over the previous 3 months.
- Psychological measures included scales for AIDS health locus of control, risk behavior knowledge, and personal risk estimation accuracy.
Main Results:
- 37% of the sample reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse, a primary HIV transmission behavior.
- Perceived peer norms regarding safer sex, AIDS health locus of control, risk behavior knowledge, age, and accurate personal risk estimation were significantly associated with behavior.
- Personal knowledge of HIV serostatus was not significantly associated with high-risk or precaution-taking behavior.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial factors, including social norms and risk perception, play a critical role in shaping HIV risk behaviors among men in gay bar settings.
- Prevention strategies should address perceived peer norms and enhance accurate risk assessment to promote safer sex practices.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors influencing HIV risk in this population.