Differences in perception of risk for HIV infection with steady and non-steady partners among homosexual men

In this study it was assessed whether homosexual men who practiced unprotected anogenital intercourse with steady and non-steady partners subjectively perceived their behaviors to be risky. Data were collected from 165 homosexual participants in an ongoing cohort study who reported unprotected anal sex. A variety of psychological factors which could possibly explain why some men were at risk but did not perceive their behavior as such, were investigated. This study showed that the majority of men who engaged in sexual risk behaviors within their primary relationship did not subjectively appraise their behavior as risky. The factors found to explain this discrepancy were not having had sex with a partner known to be HIV infected or to have AIDS (for couples of unknown serostatus) and not having had friends or relatives who were ill or had died (for seronegative couples). Homosexual men who had unprotected anal sex with casual partners generally were aware of the risk involved in their behavior.