Knowledge of AIDS and sexual behaviour change in a sample of gay men

Abstract

Since the early 1980's Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become a global epidemic. To date, the only known intervention to help prevent the further spread of AIDS, and its precursor Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is to modify behaviours that lead to the transmission of the virus. This study provides background information on AIDS and a literature review of the impact of AIDS on the sexual behaviour of gay men. The level of AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviour change in a sample of 113 gay men was examined using a self-report questionnaire. The results suggest that, in the main, gay men have made many changes to their sexual behaviour since they became aware of the AIDS epidemic. Most of these changes have been in the elimination of high risk HIV transmission behaviours, such as receptive anal intercourse, from their sexual repertoires. The sample also reported other, smaller, increases in no or low risk sexual behaviour. The implications of these findings are discussed in both the light of earlier local research, and of the international perspective. Change has not been universal or constant, and areas of concern are highlighted and solutions discussed. The need for longitudinal research is emphasised, as is the need for information about HIV/AIDS to be continually available to assist in reducing its transmission.