The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54602

Todd M. Sabato, PhD, CHES¹, Donna L. Richter, EdD¹, Shelley Hamill, PhD, CHES², and Charity G. Moore, PhD³. (1) Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, 704.552.5750, sabatotm@aol.com, (2) Department of Health and Physical Education, Winthrop University, Peabody Gymnasium, Rock Hill, SC 29733, (3) Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, Sumter Street, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208

This study examined the influence of both psychosocial constructs and demographic features on the sexual risk-taking behavior of self-identified men who have sex with men (MSM). Two hundred nineteen MSM between the ages of 18 and 62 were drawn from an event celebrating diversity within the LGBTQ community. Participants were assessed using measures including the Internalized Homophobia Scale, Dyadic Sexual Regulation Scale, Attributional Style Questionnaire, Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Drug Abuse Screening Test, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, HIV Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Sexual Behaviors Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated for levels of HIV risk behavior, HIV/AIDS knowledge, alcohol and drug use, internality/externality, depression, and internalized homophobia, as well as other demographic features. Analysis was then used to examine the factors associated with HIV risk behaviors. All factors found to be significantly correlated with HIV risk behavior were examined for predictive ability using a regression analysis. Internality/externality and substance use were found to be significant predictors of HIV risk behavior. Internalized homophobia also predicted a trend in the same direction. Demographic variables were examined for potential influences on psychosocial constructs. Differences in levels for each psychosocial construct were evident based upon race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, income level, residence status, and HIV testing history. From a prevention perspective, identifying and understanding social and psychological factors associated with behaviors that increase one’s risk for HIV is important so that individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors can be targeted for risk reduction interventions and supportive services.

Learning Objectives:

After the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify and understand social and psychological factors associated with behaviors that increase one’s risk for HIV
• List three indicators that have been found to be predictive of HIV/AIDS-related sexual behavior in the MSM community
• Discuss the importance of demographic influences on preditors of HIV/AIDS-relatd sexual behaviors

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.