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.
PIP: The objective was to assess predictors of relapse into unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners among homosexual men in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In the period 1984-91 1103 predominantly white, well-educated, homosexual men participated in the study. 340 participants were HIV-antibody-positive, and 763 men were HIV-antibody-seronegative. Self-reported data on sexual behavior were obtained at 12 semi-annual intervals. Mean age of the participants at wave 12 was 41.2 years, and participants had been homosexually active for an average of 23.2 years, Participants were categorized according to sexual behavior in waves 11 and 12, the interval in which an increase in unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners was observed. 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 a behavior change (n=197). Possible predictors of relapse into unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners included a large number of variables assessed from wave 9 up to wave 12. Bivariate relations between outcome measure and predictors were first assessed. Significant variables were entered in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. 4 variables were multivariately reacted to maintenance of safer sex behaviors versus relapse into unprotected anogenital intercourse with casual partners. The relationships found indicated that relapse was more likely to occur among participants who had less intention to avoid unprotected anal sex with casual partners (odds ratio (OR) 3.75), were less convinced that they can use condoms with casual sex partners (OR 3.54), had a less favorable attitude towards the use of condoms (OR 3.2), and were not involved in a primary relationship