The epidemic of HIV among young homosexual men

Abstract

Background: It has been argued that HIV infection is still a major health problem among homosexual men, in particular among young homosexual men.

Methods: Epidemiological and behavioural information are presented demonstrating the extent to which young homosexual men are at risk. Furthermore, the design of effective health education interventions is discussed.

Results: As many as two or three in 10 homosexual men may become infected with HIV before the age of 30 years. Interventions derived from prevailing theoretical models regarding behavioural determinants were found to be more successful in changing high-risk behaviours and relevant behavioural determinants than regular (informational) interventions.

Conclusions: The current HIV epidemic among young homosexual men is a major public health concern. Nevertheless, hardly any specific HIV education interventions have been designed for this population. Such interventions are urgently needed and should be based on relevant theory and empirical data.