Peer Norms, Self-efficacy, Stigma, Social Support, Recreational Drug Use, and Age as Predictors of High-risk Sexual Behavior Among Gay Men
Each study utilized a face-to-face anonymous survey research method. In this sample, 42% of the men reported engaging in unprotected anal receptive intercourse in the past six months. Only 24% of the sample population believed they were at risk for HIV infection. The HIV prevalence rate of this sample of men was 13% and of this population, 51% reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse. In a bivariate analysis, all aforementioned factors were statistically significant in men who reported engaging in unprotected anal intercourse.
A discriminant function analysis revealed predictors of high-risk sexual behavior included:
(1) low self-efficacy with regard to being able to use a condom, disclose HIV status, and negotiate safer sex;
(2) low outcome expectancy with regard to successfully using a condom, disclosing HIV status, and negotiating safer sex in the actual sexual encounter; and,
(3) low peer norms (believing that safer sex was not the norm with one’s friends).
These findings indicate that HIV primary and secondary counseling for this population needs to focus on self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, changing peer norms for safer sex, and perceived risk. Racial and regional differences will be discussed.
