ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIORAL DETERMINANTS OF SEXUAL PRACTICES IN GAY MALES.
Contributors: University of New Mexico.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 127
Subjects: Education, Health.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Public Health.; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.
Description: AIDS is a threat to health throughout the world. The disease has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and, furthermore, it is estimated that one to one and one-half million people are infected with the virus. Since there is no cure for the disease, prevention is the only strategy by which the epidemic may be controlled or halted.

Homosexual and bisexual men have accounted for the majority of AIDS cases reported. Behaviors associated with an increased risk for infection have been clearly identified. Few studies, however, have addressed the determinants fo risk-taking behaviors.

This research assessed the intention of homosexual men to use condoms during sexual activity. Fishbein's model of behavioral intention was used as an analytical technique to investigate the constituent parts of reported behavioral intention. In addition, demographic data were collected, high-risk sexual behaviors were identified, and the use of condoms during sexual activity was ascertained.

Data were collected from 107 subjects who completed three research instruments. Data on reported behavior were obtained one week following collection of data on demographic variables as well as data on attitudes, beliefs, referents, and motivational variables.

The results of this research revealed that most of the subjects in the study used condoms during anal receptive intercourse. However, the majority of gay men did not use condoms during every sexual encounter. Fishbein's model of behavioral intention was a valuable instrument to assess the determinants of condom use. Data obtained in the study identified significant differences in attitudes, beliefs, and referents between gay men who used condoms and those who did not. The attitudinal component was a better predictor of behavioral intention and of behavior than the subjective norm component. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between behavioral intention and behavior.

This research demonstrated that while major behavioral changes have occurred among members of the gay community, many homosexual men are not using condoms on a regular basis. Indeed, there appears to be a substantial risk among the gay population in the study for acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. Continued research must be conducted in order to identify the most effective approaches to modify behaviors to prevent acquisition and transmission of HIV infection.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-08, Section: A, page: 2644.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO, 1990.

School code: 0142.