Condom use and perceived risk of HIV transmission among sexually active HIV-positive men who have sex with men.
This study examined the association between HIV transmission risk perception and the sexual risk behaviors of HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Respondents rated the degree of risk of transmitting HIV through insertive anal intercourse and insertive oral sex. We examined (a) the perceived level of HIV transmission risk assigned to each sexual behavior and (b) the association between perceived risk for HIV transmission and condom use during insertive anal intercourse and insertive oral sex. We found for behaviors that have achieved less risk consensus that as transmission risk perception increases, so too does the likelihood of condom use. This study highlights the need for more research in understanding how perceived health risk to others influences protective behaviors.
Belcher
Lisa
L
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. fcb2@cdc.gov
Sternberg
Maya R
MR
Wolitski
Richard J
RJ
Halkitis
Perry
P
Hoff
Colleen
C
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors