HIV seropositive gay men: understanding adoption of safe sexual practices
Godin, G.; Savard, J.; Kok, G.; Fortin, C.; Boyer, R.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 8(6): 529-545
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 9010512 Document Number: 311414
The aim of this study was to determine the best predictors of safe sex practices among HIV seropositive gay men. A group of 96 homosexual men living with HIV completed a questionnaire that investigated theoretical constructs of the Ajzen's (Attitudes, personality, and behavior, Chicago: Dorsey Press, 1988) theory of planned behaviour with respect to condom use for anal intercourse and sexual practices without anal intercourse. Other variables such as Triandis's (Interpersonal behavior, Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole, 1977) construct of personal normative belief, psychological distress, and alcohol and drug use before sexual encounters were also investigated. Results indicated that the best predictor of intention to use condoms was perceived behavioural control. Personal normative belief was another important predictor of this intention. Although the best predictor of intention to have only sex without anal intercourse was perceived subjective norm, this intention was also significantly explained by perceived behavioural control. Moreover, perceived behavioural control was a significant predictor of having only sex without anal intercourse. Public health interventions among HIV seropositive gay men should aim mainly at increasing perception of behavioural control.