T12-O-04 Strategies of discussing AIDS and their relation to anxiety about AIDS among sexual minorities in Iran

Abstract

Iran like other countries of the world is facing with the increasing number of HIV positive patients. Sexual minorities (i.e. homosexuals and transsexuals) in Iran seem to be reluctant to prevent themselves from high risk sexual behaviors. So, they are highly at risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to determine the different AIDS discussion strategies used by homosexual and transsexuals in Iran and the relationship between these strategies and perceived AIDS anxiety. Data comes from the retrospective analysis of clinical records of 35 homosexual and transsexuals, aged 18-28 who referred to a private sex clinic in Tehran. The Multidimensional AIDS Anxiety Questionnaire and the AIDS Discussion Strategy Scale were completed by all the participants. The findings indicated that only 14% of the participants do not discuss AIDS with their partners. The remaining 86% use different strategies sometimes simultaneously. Manipulative and Subtle strategies were related to different forms of anxiety about AIDS (physiological arousal, fear and sexual inhibition). Moreover, the use of Manipulative discussion strategy was associated with cognitive worry, too. Homosexuals and transsexuals have a rather high risk life style. The fact the majority of them discuss AIDS with their partners imply that most of them have enough knowledge and are worried about the infection. The implications for possible intervention will be discussed.