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Sexual Partner Typologies Among Single Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

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Abstract

Using data from a sample of single young men who have sex with men (N = 1,359, ages 18–24, 65 % White, 93 % gay), we examined whether the number of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) partners with differed across relationship typologies (e.g., friends with benefits, hookups, romantic interests). We then examined how safer sex self-efficacy, decisional balance to forego condoms, ideal relationship attributes (i.e., intimacy, passion and commitment), and limerence were associated with UAI. Different partner types were associated with greater UAI partners; single partner types were associated with fewer UAI partners, irrespective of how they were categorized. UAI partners was associated with decisional balance (OR = 1.89, p < 0.001), passion ideation (OR = 1.38, p < 0.001), and difficulty negotiating safer sex with romantic partners (OR = 1.16, p < 0.001). Odds of UAI partners decreased with higher scores of commitment ideation (OR = 0.91, p < 0.05) and difficulty negotiating safer sex with casual partners (OR = 0.96, p < 0.05). We discuss the importance of acknowledging how different sexual partnerships, alongside its motivational correlates, influence UAI risk in order to inform HIV-prevention interventions.

Resumen

Utilizando datos de una muestra de jóvenes entre las edades de 18-24 años (N = 1,359; 65 % blancos; 93 % homosexuales), examinamos si el número de parejas de sexo anal sin condón (UAI) difería basado en el tipo de pareja (amigos con beneficios, parejas casuales, intereses románticos). Examinamos si el número de parejas UAI estaba asociado con la autoeficacia sexual, balance decisional, atributos de la relación ideal (intimidad, pasión y compromiso), y la infatuación. El número de parejas UAI es mayor entre jóvenes indicando distintos tipos de pareja; el número de parejas UAI es menor cuando se indica un sólo tipo de pareja sexual, independientemente de su clasificación. El número de parejas UAI está asociado con balance decisional (OR = 1.89, p < 0.001), ideación de pasión (OR = 1.38, p < 0.001), y dificultades en la autoeficacia con parejas románticas (OR = 1.16, p < 0.001). El número de parejas UAI está negativamente asociado con la ideación de compromiso (OR = 0.91, p < 0.05) y las dificultades de autoeficacia con parejas casuales (OR = 0.96, p < 0.05). Discutimos la importancia de reconocer como diferentes parejas sexuales, adjunto a sus motivaciones, influyen en el UAI de los jóvenes con el fin de informar intervenciones para prevenir VIH.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a NIH Career Development Award (K01-MH087242) to Dr. Bauermeister.

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  1. Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I Room 3822, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA

    José A. Bauermeister

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Correspondence to José A. Bauermeister.

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Bauermeister, J.A. Sexual Partner Typologies Among Single Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 19, 1116–1128 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0932-7

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