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Reported changes in the sexual behavior of men at risk for AIDS, San Francisco, 1982-84--the AIDS Behavioral Research
Abstract:
We surveyed 454 men in November 1983 and in May 1984 regarding their sexual practices during the month before the survey. In the 1983 survey, we also asked for reports about sexual behavior during the same month 1 year prior to the survey. The sample consisted of men recruited as they left bath-houses and bars, men who had not used bars or baths for meeting sexual partners for 2 months prior to the November 1983 survey, and men in committed primary relationships with another man. We found substantial changes in reported sexual behavior with persons other than a primary partner. The average number of male partners declined from 6.3 in November 1982 to 3.9 in May 1984. Receptive anal intercourse without condom declined from 1.9 to 0.7, oral-anal contact declined from 1.1 to 0.3, and swallowing semen declined from 2.8 to 0.7 in terms of the number of times that the respondent engaged in the act in the last month. These same changes did not occur in relation to sex with a primary partner. Only one variable, namely, increased length of time since the first homosexual experience, distinguished persons maintaining few sexual partners from those increasing the number of sexual partners from November 1983 to May 1984. Four variables distinguished those retaining high numbers of sexual partners from those lowering the number of sexual partners, namely, ability to remember a visual image of AIDS deterioration, age, relationship status, and length of time since first homosexual experience.
Insights
Gay men reported fewer sexual partners and reduced risky sexual behaviors between 1982 and 1984. These changes in sexual practices were not observed with primary partners, indicating targeted risk reduction efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Understanding shifts in sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) is crucial for public health interventions.
- The early 1980s saw rising concerns about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), prompting behavioral changes.
- Previous research highlighted the need to assess changes in sexual practices within the MSM community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in sexual practices among a cohort of men over a two-year period.
- To determine if reductions in sexual partners and specific sexual acts were associated with awareness of AIDS.
- To identify factors distinguishing men who reduced sexual partners from those who maintained high numbers.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 454 men was conducted in November 1983 and May 1984.
- Participants reported sexual behaviors in the month prior to each survey, and retrospectively for one year prior to the 1983 survey.
- The sample included men recruited from bathhouses/bars, those not using these venues for 2 months, and men in primary relationships.
Main Results:
- The average number of male sexual partners decreased significantly from 6.3 (1982) to 3.9 (1984).
- Specific high-risk sexual behaviors, including receptive anal intercourse without condoms and oral-anal contact, substantially declined.
- These reductions were not observed in sexual activity with primary partners; factors like AIDS awareness and time since first homosexual experience were associated with partner number changes.
Conclusions:
- Substantial reductions in sexual partners and specific sexual acts occurred among MSM between 1982 and 1984.
- Behavioral changes were primarily related to non-primary partners, suggesting successful risk-reduction awareness.
- Factors such as AIDS awareness, age, relationship status, and duration of homosexual experience influenced changes in sexual networking.