Trends in HIV/AIDS behavioural research among homosexual and bisexual men in the United States: 1981–1991

Abstract

Reviewing the existing research this article traces the behavioral change among homosexual and bisexual men in the US between 1981-91 and discusses behavioral research goals for the future. First detected in 1981 AIDS quickly became associated with the homosexual and bisexual male community. Between 1981 and 1984 the research community made remarkable advances in coming to understand the epidemic. Case-control studies pointed out the high AIDS risk associated with some of the sexual practices of homosexual and bisexual men: multiple partners anonymous partners and unprotected anal intercourse. With the aid of behavioral experts the gay community began conducting an array of information and education programs. In 1983 the Center for Disease Control developed safer sex guidelines which revolved around the use of condoms. From 1984-88 education efforts led to dramatic behavioral changes which led some to believe that AIDS had been conquered among the homosexual and bisexual population. But the AIDS epidemic brought along with it discrimination against gays. Calls for HIV counseling and testing intensified. As the epidemic moves into its second decade researchers have noticed a relapse into unsafe sexual practices. Researchers have also found that the incidence of HIV has not decreased among special subgroups of the homosexual and bisexual community: younger men who recently became sexually active blacks and Hispanics men of lower socioeconomic status those who life outside large urban centers and those who do not identify with the gay lifestyle. For this decade behavioral research goals include maintaining the existing educational programs and revising them as new developments necessitate and working towards long-term maintenance of behavioral change.