FACTORS AFFECTING AIDS-RELATED SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR CHANGE AMONG FLEMISH GAY MEN

Most studies to date that have attempted to explain the absence of a r elationship between AIDs knowledge and behavioral change have used soc ial psychological variables from diverse theoretical frameworks. The s tudy reported in this article builds further on that research by simul taneously considering aspects of the health belief model, the fear red uction model, and the social support model. It is argued that the vari ables in these models not only complement each other but that they als o interact. Using data gathered from a computerized questionnaire self -administered in a sample of Flemish gay men, the investigators employ ed multiple regression analysis with backward elimination to determine concurrently those factors from the indicated models that contributed to AIDS-related sexual behavior. The results confirm that components of the three models interact and that none alone can explain behavior change. The most important factor in inducing change was belief in the efficacy of safer sex practices. AIDS knowledge also proved to be sig nificant. The combination of high perceived susceptibility and high se lf-efficacy was associated with safer sexual behaviors. High visibilit y of AIDS interacting with a high level of denial did not prevent subj ects from adopting safer sex practices. Subjects experiencing social i solation were prone to change their behaviors. The authors interpret t hese findings within the context of the characteristics of the social situation of gay men in Flanders.