Document 1851
 DOCN  M94A1851
 TI    Sexual behavior and beliefs in men living in Caracas, Venezuela.
 DT    9412
 AU    Barrios L; Marin B; Universidad Central, Resurrexit, Venezuela.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):437 (abstract no. PD0358). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370724
 AB    OBJECTIVE: HIV infection in Venezuela has occurred mostly in homosexual
       and bisexual men, but cases are starting to increase among women with a
       single male partner, presumably due to sexual behavior of that partner.
       Our objective was to obtain indepth information about the sexual
       behavior and HIV risk perception of Venezuelan men. METHODS: Indepth
       interviews were conducted with 16 men: 6 self-identified homosexuals, 4
       bisexuals, and 6 heterosexuals. All were recruited through word of mouth
       and the sample included men of different ages, educational levels, and
       partner statuses. They described their life styles, beliefs about their
       risk of contracting HIV, STD and HIV knowledge, suggestions for HIV
       prevention, and types of sexual activities, including condom use,
       masturbation, sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, male-to-male
       sex, and use of prostitutes. Qualitative analysis was used. RESULTS:
       Despite knowledge of the risks of contracting HIV and the effectiveness
       of safe sex, few men practice it. Many respondents believed HIV
       infection results from bad luck, and were more concerned about sexual
       performance than protection from HIV. To protect themselves, bisexuals
       used condoms and/or trusted their partner to be faithful, while
       heterosexuals sought women who looked healthy or used prostitutes,
       believing they are controlled by the health department. Most of the
       homosexuals thought it was enough to know your partner. Homosexuals
       often noted that Venezuelan gays do not take care of themselves because
       of the self-rejection created by Venezuelan culture. They suggested
       focusing campaigns on self-esteem. Bisexuals used condoms to avoid
       infecting their families and saw family as a good motivator for
       prevention campaigns. Heterosexuals preferred fear-based messages about
       the effects of AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: These Venezuelan men placed such value
       on their sexual behavior that they were often unwilling to change it
       even though they knew they were at risk. Protection of the family
       appears to be an effective motivator of safer behavior among bisexual
       men. Self-esteem of gay men is an issue that prevention campaigns should
       address.
 DE    Bisexuality  Homosexuality  Human  HIV Infections/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Risk Factors  *Sex
       Behavior  Venezuela  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).