Predictors of intentions to talk to your next sexual partner about HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM)

Background: Research suggests that communication about HIV-related topics is associated with preventative behaviors, ultimately impacting HIV incidence, however little is known about the intentions of MSM to communicate with sexual partners about HIV. To inform an upcoming campaign targeting MSM, CDC conducted a web-based survey. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among gay and bisexually identified men in 2012 (N=286) to understand partner communication about HIV. Measures included scales of intentions and self-efficacy to talk to the next sexual partner about 10 different HIV topics; perceived HIV risk; HIV status; past-year main and casual partners; and demographic variables including race/ethnicity, age, income and education. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (regression) examined the relationship between an intention to talk about HIV-related issues scale and all previously mentioned variables. Results: In a multivariate model, perceived risk negatively predicted intentions to talk (Beta=-.18), and being Black (Beta = .225) (versus White) positively predicted intentions to talk to the next sex partner about HIV. The inclusion of self-efficacy in the model (Beta= .67) increased the adjusted model R2 from .06 to .48, and eliminated the significance of all other variables. Conclusions: Self-efficacy was a strong predictor of intentions to talk to the next sexual partner about HIV. Interventions and campaigns for gay and bisexual men should consider focusing on providing skills and resources to increase men's confidence and ability to talk to their sexual partners about HIV.