OBJECTIVE: To assess predictors of relapse into unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners among homosexual men in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. DESIGN: A prospective study ongoing since October 1984. METHODS: Self-reported data on sexual behaviour were obtained at 12 semi-annual intervals. Participants who reported unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners at wave 12 but not at wave 11 were considered to have relapsed into unsafe sex (n = 47). Men who did not report unprotected anogenital intercourse at wave 11 or at wave 12 were considered to have maintained behaviour change (n = 197). RESULTS: Relapse into unsafe sex with casual partners occurred more frequently among men with a less positive attitude towards condom use, lower personal efficacy with respect to using condoms with casual partners, a weaker intention to avoid anogenital intercourse with casual partners and those who were not involved in a primary relationship. Intention to avoid anogenital intercourse with casual partners was related to an individual's attitude, normative beliefs and personal efficacy with respect to avoiding anogenital intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve motivation it is important to support homosexual men in their personal decision-making process, which may be more resolute when the outcome is in accordance with individual preferences. Therefore, health education should be community-based and sensitive to individual needs.
OBJECTIVE: To assess predictors of relapse into unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners among homosexual men in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. DESIGN: A prospective study ongoing since October 1984. METHODS: Self-reported data on sexual behaviour were obtained at 12 semi-annual intervals. Participants who reported unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners at wave 12 but not at wave 11 were considered to have relapsed into unsafe sex (n = 47). Men who did not report unprotected anogenital intercourse at wave 11 or at wave 12 were considered to have maintained behaviour change (n = 197). RESULTS: Relapse into unsafe sex with casual partners occurred more frequently among men with a less positive attitude towards condom use, lower personal efficacy with respect to using condoms with casual partners, a weaker intention to avoid anogenital intercourse with casual partners and those who were not involved in a primary relationship. Intention to avoid anogenital intercourse with casual partners was related to an individual's attitude, normative beliefs and personal efficacy with respect to avoiding anogenital intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve motivation it is important to support homosexual men in their personal decision-making process, which may be more resolute when the outcome is in accordance with individual preferences. Therefore, health education should be community-based and sensitive to individual needs.
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Keywords:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--transmission; Barrier Methods; Behavior; Biology; Condom; Contraception; Contraceptive Methods; Data Analysis; Decision Making; Developed Countries; Diseases; Europe; Family Planning; Hiv Infections--transmission; Homosexuals--men; Infections; Multivariate Analysis; Netherlands; Reproductive Tract Infections; Research Methodology; Risk Factors; Sex Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Viral Diseases; Western Europe
Authors: J Bestman-Smith; J Piret; A Désormeaux; M J Tremblay; R F Omar; M G Bergeron Journal: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Date: 2001-08 Impact factor: 5.191