DIFFERENCES IN HIV RISK CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN BISEXUAL AND EXCLUSIVELY GAY MEN

Research investigating HIV-risk sexual behaviors of men who have sex w ith men usually combines gay and bisexual men, treating them as a sing le, homogeneous group, However, gay and bisexual men may differ in the ir HIV risk behavior and in psychological characteristics indicative o f risk. Exclusively gay (N = 1,180) and bisexual men (N = 136) complet ed anonymous surveys at gay bars. The surveys assessed demographic, ps ychological, and behavioral data related to sexual behavior and HIV ri sk. Relative to exclusively gay men, bisexual men had lower intentions to use condoms in their next intercourse occasion, reported a greater frequency of oral sex with men and more oral-sex partners, knew fewer people who were HIV positive, and perceived weaker peer norms favorin g safer sex and risk avoidance, One-third of bisexual men reported eng aging in unprotected anal intercourse, and 17% of bisexual men had mul tiple unprotected anal sex partners in the past two months. Interventi ons tailored to the needs of bisexual men are urgently needed and shou ld focus on increasing intentions to use condoms, increasing HIV-risk sensitization, and fostering norms favoring safer sex and risk avoidan ce.