Examining the Role of Relationships, Body Image, Closeness to HIV/AIDS, and HIV Optimism in the Sexual Risks of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

In this study, the authors examined the effects of HIV optimism, closeness to someone with HIV/AIDS, self-esteem, and body image on sexual risk behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) who reached sexual maturity after the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Online survey responses from 139 sexually active male participants were considered as a whole and for the subpopulation of males not in steady, monogamous relationships. Knowing someone with HIV/AIDS was related to lower levels of sexual risk taking. The aspect of body image related to weight was also an important factor in safer sex behavior, with perceptions of heavier bodies related to higher sexual risk taking. For single participants only, higher HIV optimism was related to greater sexual risk taking although likely as a function of retrospective justification. The findings from this unique exploratory study of young MSM are discussed in the context of implications for policy around current and future health campaigns.