Susan E Walch1, Sandra M Rudolph. 1. Department of Psychology, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida 32514, USA. swalch@uwf.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: Research examining the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risk behavior and negative affective states has netted mixed findings. The present study examined the potential moderating role of gender and sexual orientation on negative affect and HIV-related risk behavior. DESIGN: Measures of depression, anxiety, and HIV-related risk behavior were collected from participants at the time of pretest counseling. Analysis of variance was used to examine HIV-related risk behavior as a function of negative affect levels and gender and behavioral sexual orientation. SETTING: The study was conducted through a community-based, anonymous HIV counseling and testing site. SUBJECTS: Participants included 185 consecutively recruited men and women presenting for HIV testing. MEASURES: Participants completed a structured interview regarding HIV-related risk behavior, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressed Mood Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: Greater HlV-related risk behavior was associated with high levels of anxiety and moderate or high levels of depression for bisexual women. Greater HIV-related risk behavior was also associated with low levels of anxiety and mild to moderate levels of depression for bisexual men. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between negative affective states and HIV-related risk behavior may vary as a function of gender and behavioral sexual orientation. Better understanding of the relationship between negative affect and risk behavior may be achieved through consideration of these sources of variation.
PURPOSE: Research examining the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risk behavior and negative affective states has netted mixed findings. The present study examined the potential moderating role of gender and sexual orientation on negative affect and HIV-related risk behavior. DESIGN: Measures of depression, anxiety, and HIV-related risk behavior were collected from participants at the time of pretest counseling. Analysis of variance was used to examine HIV-related risk behavior as a function of negative affect levels and gender and behavioral sexual orientation. SETTING: The study was conducted through a community-based, anonymous HIV counseling and testing site. SUBJECTS:Participants included 185 consecutively recruited men and women presenting for HIV testing. MEASURES: Participants completed a structured interview regarding HIV-related risk behavior, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressed Mood Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: Greater HlV-related risk behavior was associated with high levels of anxiety and moderate or high levels of depression for bisexual women. Greater HIV-related risk behavior was also associated with low levels of anxiety and mild to moderate levels of depression for bisexual men. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between negative affective states and HIV-related risk behavior may vary as a function of gender and behavioral sexual orientation. Better understanding of the relationship between negative affect and risk behavior may be achieved through consideration of these sources of variation.
Authors: Larry Nuttbrock; Walter Bockting; Andrew Rosenblum; Sel Hwahng; Mona Mason; Monica Macri; Jeffrey Becker Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-06-14 Impact factor: 9.308