Linkages between knowledge and behavioral intentions following an HIV/AIDS educational intervention in an urban men who have sex with men (MSM) population

HIV/AIDS remains a significant health problem in the United States. This intervention is designed to reduce and prevent the transmission and spread of HIV/AIDS in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) populations. The purpose of this project is to examine knowledge and self-reported intentions to engage in risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS. The survey instruments were designed to measure knowledge levels, perceptions, and behavioral intentions related to HIV/AIDS at baseline and following intervention. The research design focused on comparing responses and outcomes within and between three self-identified groups: Transgendered, Bisexual, and Homosexual. Several types of data analysis were used to test research hypotheses. These include psychometric tests, descriptive statistics, chi-square, mixed design analyses of variance, and Pearson's correlations. Several group differences were found, including lower knowledge and behavioral intentions among the transgendered group, and higher behavioral intentions among the bisexual group. Following intervention, all groups demonstrated significant increases in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS risks and transmission pathways, and intentions to engage in protective behaviors and refrain from risky behaviors. A direct relationship was also found between HIV/AIDS knowledge scores and intentions to reduce risk behaviors. This project demonstrates that interventions focusing on risk reduction and management can produce significant increases in knowledge and behavioral intentions to reduce sexual risks following intervention. With a focus on transgendered and bisexual populations, and their associated knowledge and behaviors, this study can inform the MSM community, and shape future HIV/AIDS research and intervention practices.