GAY MENS SAFER SEX BEHAVIOR - AN INTEGRATION OF 3 MODELS

This cross-sectional study explored gay men's sexual risk behavior fro m the perspective of three popular conceptual models, the health belie f model, the theory of reasoned action, and social cognitive theory. D ata were collected from sexually active gay men via anonymous question naire containing questions about sexual behavior and items related to the constructs comprising the three models. Using structural equation modeling techniques (LISREL 8), self-reported condom use was examined from the perspective of each theory. The results suggested that a subs tantial part of the variance in unprotected anal intercourse could be explained by conceptually analogous constructs common to these models. These constructs referred to the cognitive-affective reactions toward condoms and to the social context of using condoms. An additional var iable unique to social cognitive theory, self-efficacy, added to the e xplained variance in the criterion above and beyond the variables that were common to the models. Relevant variables from the three theories were integrated into an expanded self-efficacy model.