title: Evaluating the Relationship-Oriented Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills Model of HIV Preventive Behaviors in Young Men Who Have Sex With Men.
abstract: Most HIV infections among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) occur within primary partnerships. Research on YMSM's knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills regarding relationship-related HIV prevention, and how these correspond to HIV risk and partnership characteristics, is limited. We examined links among the Relationship-Oriented Information- Motivation-Behavioral Skills (RELO-IMB) model, relationship characteristics, and HIV risk in 96 YMSM. Condomless sex with a primary partner was associated with low relationship-related HIV preventive information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Lack of HIV testing and alcohol use before sex were associated with low behavioral skills. In multivariate analyses, behavioral skills were the only consistent predictor of these outcomes. Regarding relationship characteristics, feeling trapped in the relationship or being physically abused by a partner was associated with low motivation and behavioral skills. The RELO-IMB model can be used to understand HIV risk in relationships and points to targets for relationship-specific HIV prevention education for YMSM.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Macapagal
authors.forename: George J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mustanski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D055815:Young Adult