Reflection and dialogue for HIV prevention among young gay men

Considerable interest has been expressed in young gay men's enhanced vulner ability to HIV-related risk. Relatively little research has, however, been conducted into the circumstances in which risk may be greatest and the stra tegies young gay men can use to reduce their vulnerability. This paper repo rts on findings from a recent exploratory in-depth study conducted in Norwa y. Twenty young gay men participated in repeated dialogic and reflective in terviews in which situations of real and potential risk were discussed. Cen tral among the factors enhancing vulnerability were found also to be genera l social codes such as configurations of 'reciprocity', as well as context- specific factors and individual biographic variables. A mode of interventio n is described that seeks to empower young men more fully in sexual communi cation and negotiation. Such an approach has been operationalized in 'man-t o-man dialogues' facilitated by members of the Norwegian Gay Health Committ ee.