High-risk sexual behavior, HIV/STD prevalence, and risk predictors in the social networks of young Roma (Gypsy) men in Bulgaria
Amirkhanian, Y.A.; Kelly, J.A.; Kabakchieva, E.; Antonova, R.; Vassileva, S.; Difranceisco, W.J.; McAuliffe, T.L.; Vassilev, B.; Petrova, E.; Khoursine, R.A.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 15(1): 172-181
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1557-1920 PMID: 22370730 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9596-4Document Number: 571756
Roma (Gypsies), the largest and most disadvantaged ethnic minority group in Europe, are believed to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This study's aim was to examine HIV risk in 6 Roma male sociocentric networks (n = 405 men) in Bulgaria. Participants were interviewed concerning their risk practices and tested for HIV/STDs. High-risk sexual behaviors were common. Over 57% of men had multiple sexual partners in the past 3 months. Over one-third of men reported both male and female partners in the past year. Condom use was low. Greater levels of sexual risk were associated with lower intentions and self-efficacy for using condoms, drug use, having male partners, knowing HIV-positive persons, and having higher AIDS knowledge but no prior HIV testing. Two men had HIV infection, 3.7% gonorrhea, and 5.2% chlamydia. HIV prevention interventions directed toward high-risk social networks of Roma are needed before HIV infection becomes more widely established.
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