HIV Risk Behaviors in Relation to Psychosocial Factors and Internet Usage Among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Men Who Had Sex With Men (MSM) in California

Abstract

Very few studies have been conducted to investigate HIV risk and protective behaviors in relation to psychosocial factors among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) MSM whose HIV/AIDS prevalence is lower than those of other racial/ethnic groups. This study, based on an online survey targeting API MSM in California revealed that API MSM often met sex partners online and that psychosocial factors (e.g., homophobia and identity with API gay community) were correlated with condomless receptive anal sex (RAS) with casual partners. In particular, an Asian cultural construct, interdependency, was correlated with condom use for RAS; that is, those who consider sex partners' health and value harmony tend to engage in safe sex. This finding sheds light on re-thinking the current over-emphasis on assertiveness and self-responsibility to keep free from HIV/STIs during negotiation with partners. Future STI prevention programs for API MSM should incorporate Asian cultural constructs and target specific risk groups.