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Abstract
Advance preparation for safer sex reduces the likelihood of non-premeditated risk-taking that prevails among men who have sex with men (MSM)
P.C.G. Adam1, J.B.F. de Wit2
Background: Processes conducive to increased risk-taking among MSM are not fully understood. Research and prevention have primarily focused on intentional processes, notably treatment optimism and barebacking. However, risk-taking often is unpremeditated, and rather reflects a willingness to engage in unprotected sex when provided the opportunity (Gibbons et al., 1998). This study assesses the independent influence of (lack of) intention to use condoms and willingness to take risk on unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners among MSM. We further test whether the effect of willingness is attenuated by advance preparation for safer sex, which reflects the extent to which individuals have thought about safer sex, potential difficult situations, and strategies to deal with them.
Methods: Data was collected in a prospective online cohort study of 467 MSM in the Netherlands. Men bi-annually self-report, among others, sexual risk-taking with casual partners, intention to use condoms (4 items; alpha=.90), willingness to take risk (8 items; alpha=.92), and advance preparation for safer sex (6 items; alpha=.83).
Results: Most participants were highly educated (66% some college), in their mid-30s (M=34, range 16-68), and self-identified as gay (93%). 4% of participants was HIV-positive. Most men (68%) had sex with casual partners, and 34% of these men had unprotected anal intercourse. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners was significantly related to both willingness (O.R.adj=2.4) and (lack of) intention (O.R.adj=.30). The effect of willingness on risk-taking was moderated by advance preparation (O.R.interaction=1.5), confirming that advance preparation for safer sex reduces the likelihood of unplanned risk-taking.
Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that willingness to take risk is as important a predictor of risk-taking as (lack of) intention to use condoms, but this has not been addressed in research or prevention. Effective techniques are now available to promote adequate advance preparation for safer sex (Gollwitzer, 1999), and attenuate unplanned risk-taking.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
TUPE0461
Suggested Citation
"P.C.G.Adam, et al.
Advance preparation for safer sex reduces the likelihood of non-premeditated risk-taking that prevails among men who have sex with men (MSM).
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
TUPE0461"
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