Partner type and sexual risk behavior among HIV positive gay and bisexual men : social cognitive correlates

S. Semple, T. Patterson, I. Grant

Researchers examine the relationship between partner type and sexual risk behavior in a sample of HIV positive gay and bisexual men by using elements of the social cognitive theory. The results show that men with steady partners and men with anonymous partners had the most unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), while men with casual partners had the least. Men with anonymous partners had the lowest scores on self-efficacy and outcome expectancies for condom use, negotiation, and disclosure. Outcome expectancies for negotiation of safer sex were inversely related to UAI for men with steady partners. Self-efficacy for condom use and negotiation were inversely related to UAI for men with casual partners. The authors suggest the need to develop programs that can address sexual risk behavior in a broad context and also take into account unique patterns of behavior that are associated with different partner types, relationship issues, normative expectations, and standards for behavior.