title: Psychosocial predictors and HIV-related behaviors of old adults versus late middle-aged and younger adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the psychosocial predictors and HIV-related behaviors of old adults versus late middle-aged and younger adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A demographically representative sample of residents in Italy aged 18 to 75 years (n = 2,018) was subdivided into three age groups: (a) younger adults (18-49 years), (b) late middle-aged adults (50-59 years), and (c) old adults (60-75 years). Interviews were conducted using computer-assisted telephone survey methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite reporting similar levels of sexual risk behaviors, late middle-aged and old adults were less likely to use condoms and to have ever had an HIV test. The levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, risk perception, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions toward condom use were lower among old adults compared with younger adults. Old adults were less likely to have discussed HIV/AIDS with friends, relatives, or health professionals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Old adults should be included in prevention efforts targeting knowledge, perceptions, and intentions toward condom use. Future studies should be cautious when overgeneralizing the results to all individuals aged 50 and older.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy gabriele.prati@unibo.it.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Prati
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mazzoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV/AIDS; Theory of Planned Behavior; knowledge; older adults; risk perception; sexual behavior; survey