PATTERNS, PREDICTORS, AND SITUATIONAL CONTEXTS OF HIV RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN

The study discussed in this article investigated psychosocial, relatio nship, and situational factors associated with HIV risk in a sample of 152 inner-city homeless men and women. Although men at risk of AIDS o ften had multiple sexual partners, women reported fewer different part ners but more frequent unprotected intercourse with them. Different fa ctors were associated with HIV risk level among men and women. In men, high-risk patterns were associated with negative attitudes toward con dom use, low levels of intentions to use condoms, high perceived risk of AIDS, and low perceived self-efficacy for avoiding risk. Women at h igh risk of HIV infection had greater life dissatisfaction; were less optimistic and held more fatalistic views about the future; held more negative condom attitudes; perceived themselves to be at risk; and fre quently used alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine. HIV prevention eff orts tailored to the different risk circumstances of men and women are urgently needed in social services programs for homeless people.