Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to measure the knowledge level and sexual behavior patterns related to HIV among the male homosexual population, which is facing an increase in infections.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 301 participants in HIV prevention workshops and gay club members. A total of 255 individuals (84.7%) responded.
Results: Among those who used sex venues, 40.5% had engaged in anal intercourse, while a significantly smaller portion (19.2%) of those without experience at venues reported having had anal intercourse (p<0.05). There was, however, no difference in the rate of condom usage. A significantly high proportion (22.6%) (p<0.05) of users of sex venues indicated that they always carry condoms, but this group included a significantly lower percentage of persons who thought they would always be capable of communicating the need to use a condom to their partners (p<0.05). A comparison of those with an active interest in AIDS (193), those with a passive interest (21), and those with no interest (25) showed experience of anal intercourse at 32.1, 9.5, and 12.0%, respectively . Although this did indicate greater experience among those with active interest, there was no difference in the rate of condom usage. The 60 persons who had interactions with HIV-positive persons exhibited more accurate knowledge about HIV than the 185 who had no contact. Those who knew HIV-positive persons also showed significantly higher levels of intercourse experience (45.0%) and condom usage (77.8%), (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the importance of prevention education which emphasizes communication skills as well as the importance of creating a social environment which does not isolate HIV-positive persons.
