Patterns Of Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Patterns of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Associated Factors among Youths and Adolescents in Vietnam.

Youths and adolescents are vulnerable to HIV/STIs from unprotected sex. Promotion of young population’s awareness about risky sexual behaviors is essential to develop contextualized interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five Vietnamese provinces to document current attitudes and practices regarding sexual behaviors among youths. The information on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and sexual behaviors was collected via self-reported questionnaires. The factors associated with risky sexual behaviors were identified by the multivariate logistic regression. Among the 1200 participants, 73.5% reported having sex in their lifetime, and 48.1% used condoms at their latest sexual intercourse. Participants in urban areas were more likely not to intend to use condoms and had a higher unintended pregnancy rate than in rural areas. Older age was positively associated with not wanting to use and not using condoms. Substance-using participants were more likely to not use condoms. The participants taking alcohol or other stimulants before sex had a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancy. Respondents’ attitudes and practices regarding sexual behaviors were associated with gender and employment. This study indicated that young population’s awareness in Vietnam is high, however, risky sexual behaviors also remain common. Sex-related educational programs about the consequences of substance use, multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex should be developed.

Evaluating the Prevalence and Patterns of Sexual Risk Behavior Among Undergraduate University Students in Ethiopia: Implication for Psychosocial Intervention

Risky sexual behavior is any behavior that increases the probability of negative consequences associated with sexual contact. Family environment, peer influence, community factors, and school attachment seem to be important factors affecting sexual risk behavior and decision in school/higher institution youths. This research has also been conducted to inspect the patterns of sexual risk behavior among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic, sexual, and associated risk behaviors among Woldia University students. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression model was carried out using SPSS version. The results revealed that 28.34% of the total study participants reported to have had sexual intercourse at least once. More proportion of male students ever had sex compared with females. One fifth of these students had their first sexual experience after they joined university. About 6% of students with sexual experience reported having had intercourse with same-sex partners. Half of the males with sexual experience had intercourse with a commercial sex worker. Regarding the use of condom, majority of the students reported to have used a condom once in a blue moon. Not using condom at the first and last sexual engagement were significant predictors of having multiple sexual partners. This study revealed risky sexual behaviors among university students. Thus, continuous and intensified public health strategies on health education and reproductive health services are required to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of the students.

Sexual behavior pattern in the young attending sexually transmitted infection clinic in a tertiary health-care center

Sexual behavior pattern in the young attending sexually transmitted infection clinic in a tertiary health-care center

The influence of housing on sexual and reproductive health status and service utilization among Filipina migrant domestic workers in Macao (SAR), China: A population survey

ObjectiveSexual and reproductive health (SRH) and service utilization among female migrant domestic workers are under-studied. No studies to date have investigated the unique health vulnerabilities that affect female foreign domestic workers. The objective of this study was to investigate how stay-in and stay-out living conditions in domestic work may differentially affect SRH status, service utilization, and sexual risk behavior among female migrant domestic workers in Macao (SAR), China. MethodsData were analyzed from a cross-sectional survey conducted between November 2016 and August 2017 among 1368 female Filipina migrant domestic workers living and working in Macao. Participants were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between living context and outcomes of interest. ResultsDomestic workers’ living context (i.e. stay-in versus stay-out) was significantly related to sexual risk behavior patterns and SRH status and service utilization. Compared to stay-out workers, stay-in workers had reduced odds of sexual risk behaviors but were also more likely to report that their sexual partners were likely to have concurrent sexual partners. In addition, stay-in workers had significantly decreased odds of having visited an OBGYN in Macao in the past year. ConclusionsThis research is the first to evaluate the impact of stay-in and stay-out conditions within a foreign domestic worker population. This study further provides novel evidence of contextual factors (e.g. financial, employment, living conditions) that contribute to inequalities in SRH status and service utilization among Filipina migrant domestic workers. Results indicate that living context is significantly correlated with sexual risk behaviors, SRH status, and service utilization among domestic workers in Macao, highlighting the need to more effectively tailor specific interventions to meet female domestic workers’ needs.

Sexual dimorphism and patterns of sexual behavior in Lustrochernes argentinus (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae)

Sexual dimorphism between females and males can sometimes be related to particular mating behaviors. In pseudoscorpions, very little is known about the relationship between sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and reproductive behavior. This paper describes sexual dimorphism and the mating behavior patterns of Lustrochernes argentinus (Thorell, 1877), a Neotropical species of Cheliferoidea. We measured different body structures and appendages of 14 individuals of each sex, with the values compared with a T-test. We also analyzed the sexual behavior repertoire occurring during mating between nine couples. We found SSD for several structures: the fixed and movable finger width, and the angle between IV coxae are larger in females, in contrast with the gap between fingers which is bigger in males. The analysis of sexual behavior patterns in this species showed that the reproductive behavioral repertoire is structured in three phases: Phase I (examination), Phase II (spermatophore deposition) and Phase III (sperm transfer) with a mean duration of 2.2 min, 5 min, and 7.5 min, respectively. Some structures that showed SSD, and also the composition and duration of different behavioral phases, are different from those of other species of the family Chernetidae. We discuss the results based on current knowledge in pseudoscorpion biology with prospects of further studies studying sexual selection.

Genetic monogamy despite frequent extrapair copulations in "strictly monogamous" wild jackdaws.

“Monogamy” refers to different components of pair exclusiveness: the social pair, sexual partners, and the genetic outcome of sexual encounters. Avian monogamy is usually defined socially or genetically, whereas quantifications of sexual behavior remain scarce. Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are considered a rare example of strict monogamy in songbirds, with lifelong pair bonds and little genetic evidence for extrapair (EP) offspring. Yet jackdaw copulations, although accompanied by loud copulation calls, are rarely observed because they occur visually concealed inside nest cavities. Using full-day nest-box video surveillance and on-bird acoustic bio-logging, we directly observed jackdaw sexual behavior and compared it to the corresponding genetic outcome obtained via molecular parentage analysis. In the video-observed nests, we found genetic monogamy but frequently detected forced EP sexual behavior, accompanied by characteristic male copulation calls. We, thus, challenge the long-held notion of strict jackdaw monogamy at the sexual level. Our data suggest that male mate guarding and frequent intrapair copulations during the female fertile phase, as well as the forced nature of the copulations, could explain the absence of EP offspring. Because EP copulation behavior appeared to be costly for both sexes, we suggest that immediate fitness benefits are an unlikely explanation for its prevalence. Instead, sexual conflict and dominance effects could interact to shape the spatiotemporal pattern of EP sexual behavior in this species. Our results call for larger-scale investigations of jackdaw sexual behavior and parentage and highlight the importance of combining social, sexual, and genetic data sets for a more complete understanding of mating systems.

Developmental patterns of sexual identity, romantic attraction, and sexual behavior among adolescents over three years

IntroductionAdolescents are heterogeneous in how they define and experience their sexual orientation, which can include specific identity labels, romantic attractions, and other- and/or same-sex sexual behavior. These three components of sexual orientation are not always concordant, and studies suggest adolescents—particularly girls—are fluid in these dimensions of orientation over time. The current study examined: 1) fluidity in adolescent girls' and boys' self-labeled identities and romantic attractions over time, and 2) patterns of adolescent girls' and boys’ self-labeled identities and romantic attractions as they coincide with sexual behavior. MethodsSurveys were administered to adolescents in three low-income high schools in the rural Southeastern U.S. at three yearly intervals (n = 744; Mage = 15.0; 54.3% girls; 48% White, 24% Hispanic/Latinx, 21% Black/African American). Participants reported their self-labeled sexual identity and romantic attraction at each time point and their lifetime sexual behavior with girls and boys at year 3. ResultsResults revealed 26% of girls and 11% of boys reported fluidity in identity and 31% of girls and 10% of boys reported fluidity in attractions. At each time point, up to 20% of girls and 6% of boys reported a sexual minority identity label with concurrent same-sex attraction; the majority of these participants also reported same-sex behavior. Among heterosexual-identified participants reporting some degree of same-sex attraction at year 3, approximately 66% of girls and 10% of boys reported same-sex behavior. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that many adolescents are nuanced and dynamic in how they identify and experience their developing sexualities.

Women’s sexual strategies in pregnancy

Abstract Humans exhibit an unusual pattern of sexual behavior compared to other mammalian females. Women's extended sexuality has been hypothesized to be related to a variety of possible benefits, especially non-genetic reproductive benefits, such as securing male investment via reinforced pairbonds or paternity confusion. But sexual behavior also comes at a cost, particularly for pregnant women, in terms of energetic costs, potential disease, and possible harm to the fetus. We hypothesize, therefore, that sexual behavior in pregnant women should reflect adaptive strategies and that pregnant women will be particularly strategic about their sexual behavior in order to maximize potential benefits while minimizing potential costs. One hundred twelve pregnant women completed a survey of their partners' qualities and their sexual desires toward their primary partners and men other than their primary partners. Results showed that women's perceptions of relationship threat positively predicted sexual desire for primary partners, while their perceptions of their partner's investing qualities negatively predicted sexual desire for extra-pair mates. These qualities, as well as cues to partner's genetic quality and gestation age, also interacted in ways that suggest that pregnant women's sexual desires are sensitive to cues of future investment and relationship stability.

Patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran: results from a national survey in 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran, 2015.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was a part of a bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted on 6,200 prisoners in 26 prisons in Iran. The subjects were selected through multi-stage sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data on participant’s demographics and history of sexual behaviors. Using STATA-12 software, the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and crude and adjusted logistic regression.FindingsA total of 5,508 prisoners with a response rate of 88.8 percent participated in this study. Of all prisoners, 55 percent (n=3,027) had a history of “unsafe sex in the lifetime” of whom 53.4 percent (n=1,549) never used condoms during unsafe sex in the lifetime. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, risk factors for “unsafe sex in lifetime” were the following: higher level of education (AOR=1.79, CI: 1.41–2.28), being single (AOR=1.32, CI: 1.18–1.47), unemployed before imprisonment (AOR=1.45, CI: 1.06–1.97), having history of previous imprisonment (AOR=1.31, CI: 1.17–1.47) and history of drug use in the lifetime (AOR=1.53, CI: 1.35–1.75).Originality/valuePrisoners are high-risk groups that are prone to practice unsafe sex. Prisoners who are single, unemployed before imprisonment, a drug user, with a higher level of education and with a history of imprisonment are likely to be sexually active in their lifetime. Thus, they are a priority for receiving suitable interventions.

Low prevalence of syphilis infection among key populations in Togo in 2017: a national cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the screening of syphilis among populations highly exposed to HIV. However, data on the prevalence of syphilis in these populations are scarce in Togo. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of syphilis among males who have sex with males (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and drug users (DU) in Togo.MethodsA cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in August and September 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in eight major cities in Togo. A standardized questionnaire was used to record socio-demographic data and sexual behavior patterns. A blood sample was taken and SD Bioline Duo VIH/Syphilis rapid test was used to test for HIV and syphilis.ResultsA total of 2158 key populations (678 MSM, 1003 FSW and 477 DU), with an average age of 27.6 years (standard deviation 8.8 years) participated in the study. Prevalence of syphilis was 0.6% (95% CI = [0.3–1.0]) with no statistical significance between the three groups: null among MSM, 0.8% among FSW (95% CI = [0.37–1.63]) and 1.1% among DU (95% CI = [0.39–2.57]). There was no relation between HIV status and syphilis (p = 0.236). Among the 298 HIV-positive people, none was diagnosed with syphilis.ConclusionsFindings from this study reveal a low prevalence rate of syphilis among key populations in Togo. Specific interventions into HIV prevention programs should be reinforced to eliminate syphilis in Togo.

Sexual Behavior Patterns and Condom Use in Newly Sexually Active Female University Students

Our objective was to describe sexual behavior patterns and condom use in newly sexually active female university students. We conducted a 4-year retrospective cohort study (2000-2007) of university women enrolled close to sexual debut (N = 250). Participants reported daily information on intercourse, condom use, and partner/partnership characteristics into Web-based biweekly sexual behavior diaries. We calculated intercourse frequency, proportion of condom-protected events, and incidence of new partner acquisition. We used logistic regression to examine factors associated with condom use at sexual debut; Kaplan-Meier methods to describe cumulative incidence of condom non-use after use at debut; and Cox proportional hazards ratios to examine factors associated with condom non-use. A total of 188 women had at least one male sex partner prior to enrollment or during follow-up. One-third (34.1%) of 27,736 intercourse events were condom-protected. Older age (20+ vs. < 20years) and use of hormonal birth control were associated with lower likelihood of condom use at sexual debut (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.97 and aOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.10-1.03, respectively). Women who reported partners with previous sex partners were less likely to discontinue using condoms after debut (hazard ratio = 0.35, 0.16-0.77) than those reporting partners without previous partners. In college-aged women, older age and hormonal contraceptive use were each inversely associated with condom use at first intercourse. Women with sexually experienced partners were more likely to continue using condoms. Continued efforts are necessary to promote condom use among college-aged women.

An Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills model analysis of young adults’ sexual behaviour patterns and regulatory requirements for sexual consent in Canada

Sexual consent has been defined as the unambiguous willingness to engage in sexual activity that is expressed or verified by sexual partners. Despite the importance of expression and ascertainment of sexual consent, there is a marked disconnect between required elements of sexual consent in legal provisions and administrative policies, on one hand, and how individuals actually engage in their sexual interactions, on the other. We also lack an integrated theoretical model of factors that contribute to sexual consent expression and ascertainment to employ as a conceptual foundation to guide sexual consent promotion intervention efforts. This article adopts the perspective of the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) model of sexual health to organize an overview of research concerning how individuals currently engage in what they view as “sexual consent” behaviours and how regulatory bodies conceptualize and regulate sexual consent, with a specific focus on the Canadian setting. According to the IMB model, deficits in consent related to information, motivation, and behavioural skills are responsible for the lack of sexual consent behaviour enactment, and research that identifies such deficits is discussed throughout the paper. The IMB model and the obstacles to sexual consent expression and ascertainment which are identified have implications for sexual assault adjudication, sexual assault prevention education, and sexual consent-related policy. Understanding how and why individuals currently ascertain and express consent is the crucial foundation upon which sexual consent education and regulation must be built.

Patterns of Sexual Risk Behavior, HIV Infection, and Use of Health Services Among Sub-Saharan African Migrants in Portugal

ABSTRACT This study identified patterns of sexual risk behavior among a sub-Saharan African migrant (SAM) population in Portugal and examined its associations with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, sociodemographics, use of sexual health services, and HIV testing. A cross-sectional biobehavioral survey was conducted with a venue-based sample of 790 SAMs. Data were collected using questionnaires and rapid HIV tests. Cluster analysis identified five subgroups with differing levels of HIV infection (2.5% to 11.3%). In Cluster 1, most participants reported sexual abstinence over the past year and the remaining used condoms consistently; this cluster had the highest HIV prevalence (11.3%). In Cluster 2, most reported one sexual partner and all reported unprotected sex; all HIV-positive participants in this cluster were unaware of their HIV-positive status. In Clusters 3 and 4, most had four or more partners, yet all used condoms. In Cluster 3, 56.5% reported both regular and occasional partners. In Cluster 4, 74% had only occasional partners; all engaged in commercial sex. In Cluster 5, all reported four or more partners and condomless sex. In all subgroups we found low rates of HIV testing and high unawareness of HIV serostatus. Targeted prevention interventions are needed to reduce unprotected sexual relations and undiagnosed infection, as well as improve linkage to sexual health services.

HIV prevalence and correlated factors on male clients of female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Yunnan province, 2014-2015

Objective: To assess the prevalence and related factors of HIV infection among male clients of the female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Honghe Hani Yi autonomous prefecture (Hekou county) in Yunnan province in China, 2014-2015. Methods: Serial cross-sectional survey was conducted during June 2014 to November 2015. Convenience sampling methods were used to recruit the male clients for this study. Self-reported information on social-demographic characteristics, with sexual and drug behavior patterns, was gathered. Both blood and urine samples were collected for HIV, with for opiate testing. Multivariate logistic regression and Exhaustive CHAID method were used to determine the correlated factors associated with HIV infection. Statistical analysis was used by SPSS 22.0 software and Clementine 12.0 software. Results: The overall HIV prevalence of male clients was 2.06% (16/776). Male clients who keep using condom with female sex worker was estimated as 68.81% (534/776). The last commercial sexual partner of Vietnamese male clients was all Vietnamese female sex workers. Compared with Chinese male clients, Vietnamese male clients have a higher rate of morphine positive. Factors as: age ≥50 years vs. age <30 years (OR=8.11, 95%CI: 1.26-52.16) and testing for morphine positive vs. morphine negative (OR=7.35, 95%CI: 1.42-38.06) were significantly associated with HIV infection through multiple logistic regression analysis. Through Exhaustive CHAID, it confirmed that age was the primary factor that associated with HIV infection of male clients. Conclusions: Relationship between morphine and HIV infection indicated that HIV prevalence of male clients in Hekou county was influenced by the combined effect of both illegal drug use and commercial sexual behavior. Special attention should be paid to male clients over 50 years of age, on HIV intervention.

Sexual behavior patterns in online sexually explicit materials: a network analysis

Free online sexually explicit materials have become the major way for pornography viewers to consume pornographic materials. Most previous content analytic studies have focused on aggression and degradation behaviors in sexually explicit materials. Fewer studies have focused on the prevalence of depictions of individual sexual behaviors, overlooking that pornographic materials not only show viewers individual sexual behaviors but also provide sexual scripts, which contain a series of co-occurring sexual behaviors. Using the network analysis method, the current study examined the co-occurrence patterns of a large number of sexual behaviors depicted in free online sexually explicit materials. The study has revealed the primary sexual script depicted in popular online sexually explicit materials and predicted the potential effects of such a script.

Enhancing the Theory of Planned Behaviour by Incorporating Social Marketing Behavioural Enhancers: A First VS Second Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach

This study investigated the need to extend the TPB model to SMBE variables as suggested by Ayikwa and De Jager (2017) in the quest to better understand sexual behavioural patterns using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approach. The main research question to be answered: "how the TPB and SMBE variables should be structured into a validated CFA model?" Data were carefully collected in South Africa’s Gauteng Province using a disproportionate multi-stage stratified random sampling method to retain 607 respondents. The survey questionnaires distributed consisted of revisited pre-existing instruments. The data were then analysed by CFA model that followed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to determine the suitability of the sample size. Assessment of the second order extended TPB model confirmed that it is worthwhile to integrate SMBE variables while extending the TPB model in the context of HIV/AIDS related behaviours.

Individual and Neighborhood Factors Associated With Sexual Behavior Classes in an Urban Longitudinal Sample.

This study aimed to increase understanding of the clustering of sexual behaviors in an urban sample of emerging adults, and the individual and neighborhood factors associated with sexual behavior patterns to provide insight into reducing the disproportionate burden of poor sexual outcomes among urban African Americans. We draw on 2 cohorts of urban, predominantly African American youth first assessed at age 6 years and follow-up to emerging adulthood (mean age, 20 years; n = 1618). Latent class analyses by gender identified co-occurrence of sexual behavior. We found 3 classes for both males and females: high-risk (13% of males, 15% of females), low-risk (54% of males, 56% of females) and no-risk (33% of males, 29% of females). Membership in the high-risk class was associated with school dropout, a substance use disorder diagnosis, having a criminal arrest, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases for both males and females. High-risk females also had higher rates of depression. Low-risk males and females also had elevated risk of pregnancy and parenthood. Neighborhood factors distinguished the high- and no-risk classes for males and females, including the neighborhood environment scale, which assessed poverty, safety, drug activity, and crime/violence in the neighborhood. Neighborhood religiosity was inversely associated with membership in the high-risk class compared with the no-risk class for females only. Neighborhood racism distinguished those in the high-risk class compared with the no-risk class for males. Future work should take into account the clustering of sexual risk behaviors. Specific neighborhood factors could be addressed to reduce sexual health disparities.

Contraceptive use at first intercourse is associated with subsequent sexual behaviors

ObjectiveWomen's contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse (FSI) may be associated with subsequent sexual behaviors. We examined associations between contraceptive methods used at FSI and subsequent number of lifetime partners, induced abortions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Study designDuring 2011–2012, we collected questionnaire data from a random sample of women aged 18–45 years from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We used logistic regression and discrete-time proportional hazards models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), comparing different contraceptive methods used at FSI in the whole study sample and in women with FSI in 2001 or later [when emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) were available without prescription]. ResultsOf 45,361 women in the study sample, those who did not use contraception at FSI (n=8155; 18.0%) were more likely than condom users to have ≥11 lifetime partners (OR=1.34; 95% CI 1.27–1.42), induced abortions (HR=1.62; 95% CI 1.53–1.71) and STIs (HR=1.15; 95% CI 1.10–1.20). ECP users (n=440, 1.0%) were more likely than condom users to have ≥11 lifetime partners (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.40–2.22), induced abortions (HR=1.44; 95% CI 1.11–1.86) and STIs (HR=1.84; 95% CI 1.56–2.16). A similar pattern was seen in safe periods/withdrawal users. The associations did not change among women with FSI in 2001 or later (n=14,445). ConclusionsCompared with condom use, contraceptive nonuse, safe periods/withdrawal use and ECP use at FSI were associated with subsequent number of sexual partners, induced abortions and STIs. ImplicationsContraceptive method used at first intercourse was associated with subsequent sexual behaviors in women. This study highlights the importance of early sexual behaviors and may help understand patterns of women's sexual behaviors.

The association between perceived household educational support and HIV risk in young women in a rural South African community (HPTN 068): A cross sectional study.

ObjectiveTo characterise perceived household support for female education and the associations between educational support and HIV prevalence, HSV-2 prevalence and sexual risk behaviours.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used baseline survey data from the Swa Koteka HPTN 068 trial undertaken in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The study included 2533 young women aged 13–20, in grades 8–11 at baseline. HIV and HSV-2 status were determined at baseline. Information about patterns of sexual behaviour and household support for education was collected during the baseline survey. Linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to determine associations between household support for education and both biological and behavioural outcomes.ResultsHigh levels of educational support were reported across all measures. HIV prevalence was 3.2% and HSV-2 prevalence was 4.7%, both increasing significantly with age. Over a quarter (26.6%) of young women reported vaginal sex, with 60% reporting condom use at last sex. The median age of sexual debut was 16 years. Household educational support was not significantly associated with HIV or HSV-2; however, the odds of having had vaginal sex were significantly lower in those who reported greater homework supervision (OR 0.82, 95%CI: 0.72–0.94), those who engaged in regular discussion of school marks with a caregiver (OR 0.82, 95%CI: 0.71–0.95) and when caregivers had greater educational goals for the young woman (OR 0.82, 95%CI: 0.71–0.96). In contrast, greater caregiver disappointment at dropout was significantly associated with reported vaginal sex (OR 1.29, 95%CI: 1.14–1.46).ConclusionYoung women in rural South Africa report experiencing high levels of household educational support. This study suggests that greater household educational support is associated with lower odds of having vaginal sex and engaging in risky sexual behaviour, though not with HIV or HSV-2 prevalence.

Patterns of Sexual Behaviors in Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Mexico

Recent research has documented the importance of understanding the multidimensional nature of sexual risk behavior. However, little is known about patterns of sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico, men who are at greatest risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections compared to other subpopulations in the country. This study applied latent class analysis to data from a large, HIV-negative sample of 18- to 25-year-old Mexican MSM recruited from a social and sexual networking website (N = 3,722) to uncover multidimensional patterns of sexual behaviors, partner factors, and protective behaviors, and examine how these were associated with health and well-being correlates. We selected a model with seven classes. The most common class included those who reported both insertive and receptive behaviors with more than one partner, but smaller groups of individuals were in classes marked by only insertive or receptive anal sex, romantic relationships, or sexual inactivity. Class membership differed by sexual orientation, age, depressive symptoms, alcohol problems, and self-acceptance, with individuals in a class marked by same-sex relationships generally reporting more positive outcomes. Findings suggest heterogeneity of behaviors among Mexican MSM and the possible efficacy of prevention messages tailored to individuals’ specific patterns of sexual behavior.