Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Objectives. This study sought to understand the interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts in which behavioral risk for HIV infection occurs among young gay men. Methods. Forty in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with white and Latino young gay men (ages 18-24) who were purposively recruited using a snowball sampling procedure. Results. Sexual risk behaviors occurred mainly in two social situations: primary relationships of presumed monogamy and sexual coercion. These young men also reported experiencing very little relevant sex education prior to engaging in sexual risk behaviors. Conclusion. This paper builds on previous knowledge about sexual risk for HIV among young gay men by focusing attention on the social contexts within which risk behaviors are reported. Recommendations are presented for meaningful and relevant HIV prevention interventions.