The ABCs of HIV prevention in men: associations with HIV risk and protective behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate associations between beliefs in abstinence, fidelity, and condom use (the "ABCs" of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections) and associated self-reported risk behaviors among Kenyan men.


METHODS
We assessed associations of beliefs in the ABCs with sociodemographic characteristics and sexual risk behaviors in a respondent-driven sample of 500 men in Nairobi.


RESULTS
Younger age, single marital status, and higher education were associated with beliefs in abstinence and condom use as "best" prevention methods; and older age and marriage were associated with belief in fidelity. Many of these and other associations persisted in multivariate models. Men citing abstinence or fidelity belief less often reported sex with a female sex worker (FSW) ever or recent concurrent partnerships less often. Belief in fidelity was negatively associated with reported use of condoms ever. Belief in condom use to prevent HIV was most common among those having recent concurrent partnerships.


CONCLUSIONS
Beliefs in abstinence, fidelity ("being faithful"), or condom use were associated, in plausible directions, with life stages and other demographic factors and with corresponding risk and preventive behaviors. Context-specific and selective educational promotion of individual ABC components rather than comprehensive education from an early age in a wide repertoire of prevention strategies ignores the evolution of sexual behaviors and the relative utility of different approaches throughout the life course.
Steele
Matthew S
MS
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), Seattle, WA, USA.
Bukusi
Elizabeth
E
Cohen
Craig R
CR
Shell-Duncan
Bettina A
BA
Holmes
King K
KK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex