HIV antibody test result knowledge, risk perceptions and behavior among homosexually active men

All men reported substantially more protective behavior in 1989 than in 1985, including those men who chose to remain unaware of their serostatus, and the latter group reported the lowest perceived susceptibility over the five 6-month data collection points.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between gay men's reasons for obtaining HIV antibody test results and selected behaviors and beliefs. Study participants were 249 homosexual or bisexual men seen at a community health center from whom data were collected beginning in January 1985. The vast majority of subjects chose to learn their status because they thought they knew and wanted to confirm their suspicions 42′% wanted the information to help them make changes in their sexual behavior. Of those who chose not to know results, 67% reported concern about the psychological impact of a positive result. Of those who thought they were infected, 39′% actually were positive; of those who thought they, were not infected, 90% actually were negative. The latter group (those who thought they were infected and were not) reported the lowest perceived susceptibility over the five 6-month data collection points. All men reported substantially more protective behavior in 1989 than in 1985, including those men who chose to remain unaware of their serostatus.