An Integrated Model of Safer Sex Practices among African-American Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

Models of safer sex enable researchers to identify specific constructs that can be used to promote health behavior and are more effective than interventions without a theoretical base. This study tested basic and modified forms of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Information Motivation Behavioral Skills models among 151 African American gay/bisexual men. Gay socialization was added to an integrated model to see if this minority-specific contextual variable would improve the model. Self-efficacy was tested as an independent variable and a mediating variable. The results suggest that an integrated model of safer sex practices should include benefits/barriers to condom use, social norm perceptions, sexual assertiveness, and self-efficacy (as a mediating variable). Gay socialization did not improve the model statistically but may influence safer sex behavior conceptually and pragmatically.