Self-perceived responsibility of HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men for preventing HIV transmission.
Relatively little attention has been paid to unique factors that may motivate HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) to prevent HIV transmission. This study examines the beliefs of 250 HIV-seropositive MSM about their responsibility for protecting sex partners from HIV infection. Participants completed an open-ended interview about their sexual practices, substance use, and other HIV-related issues. Seventy percent of participants were men of color. Most participants (72%) spontaneously mentioned issues related to responsibility that were represented by three themes: (1) personal responsibility for protecting sex partners, (2) partners' responsibility for protecting themselves, and (3) mutual responsibility. These beliefs were expressed by 63%, 24%, and 12% of respondents, respectively. Motivations underlying beliefs about personal responsibility included altruism, self-standards, and self-interest. Beliefs about personal responsibility were influenced by participant characteristics, partner characteristics, disclosure of HIV status, and contextual factors. The findings suggest that self-perceived responsibility may be an important factor that affects HIV-seropositive MSM's sexual decision making.
Wolitski
Richard J
RJ
Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. rwolitski@cdc.gov
Bailey
Caroline J
CJ
O'Leary
Ann
A
Gómez
Cynthia A
CA
Parsons
Jeffrey T
JT
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014342:Truth Disclosure