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Examining Delay Discounting of Condom-Protected Sex Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Crowdsourcing Technology

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Abstract

Some men who have sex with men (MSM) have unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in situations that put them at risk for HIV infection despite having the knowledge and skills to avoid these risks. The present study examined the potential role of delay discounting in sexual HIV risk behavior among MSM. Participants (n = 108) completed the Sexual Discounting Task and a questionnaire regarding UAI and other variables associated with HIV risk (e.g., age, socioeconomic status, substance use, psychiatric problems). MSM discounted the value of condom-protected anal intercourse in a manner that was orderly, hyperbolic, and sensitive to partner characteristics that likely influence realworld decisions about using condoms. Steeper discounting was associated with UAI, and other factors related to sexual HIV risk among MSM, including young age, socioeconomic disadvantage, substance use, sex under the influence of substances, and depression). Delay discounting is likely a critical, but underappreciated facet of HIV risk among MSM.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by R01 DA032363, R21 DA032717, and T32 DA07209 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    Evan S. Herrmann, Patrick S. Johnson & Matthew W. Johnson

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  1. Evan S. Herrmann
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Correspondence to Evan S. Herrmann.

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Herrmann, E.S., Johnson, P.S. & Johnson, M.W. Examining Delay Discounting of Condom-Protected Sex Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Crowdsourcing Technology. AIDS Behav 19, 1655–1665 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1107-x

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