Safer sex communication and unsafe sexual behavior among young men who have sex with men in California

Our objective was to investigate sexual communication and risk-taking behaviors among young men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM aged 17 to 25 years were recruited from four areas throughout California. The construct Safer Sex Communication, assessed through principal-components analysis, was defined as perceived efficacy or experience in minimizing the risk of sexual HIV infection through communication with partners. In the 6 months prior to the survey 35.6% of the MSM had participated in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Adjusted logistic regression analyses found low Safer Sex Communication to be predictive of UAI. In addition, negative attitudes toward safe sex, high perceived risk of HIV infection, 10 or more male sex partners during the previous 6 months, and use of cocaine in the past 6 months were also independently related to UAI. Safer Sex Communication skills should be an outcome of interventions designed to prevent HIV transmission among young MSM.