The AIDS dilemma: worry and concern over AIDS

Abstract

Information was collected from 148 homosexual men to examine their current sexual practices, knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), perception of risk for this disease and change in sexual behaviour. The data were analyzed to investigate the relationship of these variables to the degree of worry and concern about AIDS expressed by most respondents. Overall, a decline in high-risk sexual behaviour was reported. Measures of worry and concern were significantly related to the subjects' perception of risk for AIDS and reduction in risk behaviours. However, the measures of Health Locus of Control, knowledge about AIDS and sociodemographic characteristics did not significantly predict the degree of worry and concern. The data are discussed in light of the current AIDS epidemic.

PIP: 224 Canadian homosexual men were asked to complete self-report questionnaires on sexual behavior for 1) subjective assessment of the risk of aids, 2) concern about AIDS, 3) subjective perception of risk, 4) knowledge of AIDS, and 5) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). The final sample consisted of 148 men aged 19-66: 30% had a university degree, 27% were professionals, and 45% were blue collar workers. Only collar workers. Only 7 (5%) were HIV positive. Although 40% had more than 1 partner a month, the rest had either 1 partner or no partners. Receptive hand-anus with receptive anal intercourse was assigned a value of 3; receptive anal intercourse with no receptive hand-anus a value of 2; active oral and/or anilingus a value of 1; having more than 11 partners a month were assigned a value of 4. The scores of 119 respondents (80.5%) ranged from 0 to 3, while 29 men (19.6%) scored 4 to 7. 77% stated that they changed their sexual behavior to mitigate risks; 38% used the condom more frequently; 39% reduced the incidence of receptive anal intercourse; and 48% had fewer partners. 80% were occasionally or often thinking about AIDS; 70% were concerned about getting AIDS; and 36% were preoccupied with this concern. 59% deemed their risk greater than that of heterosexuals, and 87% thought that the combined risk of gays was also greater when compared to heterosexuals. Increased worry was significantly associated with the reduction of risk behavior, but only 1 of the 3 indicators of subjective assessment of risk were statistically significant set against concern about AIDS. Findings indicate that behavior was modified as a consequence of an affective response to the threat of this disease.