TY - JOUR
T1 - The influence of stigma on the sexual risk behavior of rural men who have sex with men
AU - Preston, Deborah Bray
AU - D'Augelli, Anthony R.
AU - Kassab, Cathy D.
AU - Cain, Richard E.
AU - Schulze, Frederick W.
AU - Starks, Michael T.
PY - 2004/8
Y1 - 2004/8
N2 - Research investigating predictors of risky sexual behavior of rural MSM is sparse, even though the prevalence of HIV in rural areas has increased. This study explored two sets of predictors of 93 rural MSM's levels of risky sexual behavior: mental health variables and stigma emanating from men's family members, health care professionals, and people in the rural communities in which they live. Over 47% of the men were found to be at modified high to high risk. Logistic regression using a continuation logit model was used to test the relationship of the predictor variables and the four levels of risk. Findings indicate that self-esteem was predictive of the highest sexual risk behavior but not lower levels of risk. Stigma was predictive of modified high sexual risk when compared to low and no risk categories. No variables differentiated men at low risk from men at no risk.
AB - Research investigating predictors of risky sexual behavior of rural MSM is sparse, even though the prevalence of HIV in rural areas has increased. This study explored two sets of predictors of 93 rural MSM's levels of risky sexual behavior: mental health variables and stigma emanating from men's family members, health care professionals, and people in the rural communities in which they live. Over 47% of the men were found to be at modified high to high risk. Logistic regression using a continuation logit model was used to test the relationship of the predictor variables and the four levels of risk. Findings indicate that self-esteem was predictive of the highest sexual risk behavior but not lower levels of risk. Stigma was predictive of modified high sexual risk when compared to low and no risk categories. No variables differentiated men at low risk from men at no risk.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=4143127687&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=4143127687&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1521/aeap.16.4.291.40401
DO - 10.1521/aeap.16.4.291.40401
M3 - Article
C2 - 15342332
AN - SCOPUS:4143127687
VL - 16
SP - 291
EP - 303
JO - AIDS Education and Prevention
JF - AIDS Education and Prevention
SN - 0899-9546
IS - 4
ER -