Self-esteem in HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay and bisexual men: implications for risk-taking behaviors with casual sex partners.
Research suggests that self-esteem in gay and bisexual men may be linked with sexual risk-taking behaviors. As part of a larger investigation into the sexual practices of gay and bisexual men, we assessed serostatus, self-esteem, condom use, and HIV disclosure to sexual partners. Among HIV-negative men, no relationships were found between their self-esteem and tendency to discuss their and their partners' HIV status. However, among HIV-positive men, there was a positive relationship between self-esteem and disclosure to receptive and insertive anal sex partners. These results suggest greater attention to the self-esteem of HIV-positive men by attending healthcare workers and social support groups.
Moskowitz
David A
DA
Department of Communication, University of Texas at San Antonio, 78249, USA. david.moskowitz@utsa.edu
Seal
David W
DW
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015497:HIV-1; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult