HIV-related sexual risk taking among HIV-negative men who have sex with men in Zagreb, Croatia

AIDS Behav. 2008 May;12(3):505-12. doi: 10.1007/s10461-007-9327-3. Epub 2007 Oct 27.

Abstract

Croatia has a low-level HIV epidemic and, as in a number of other Central and Southeastern European countries, sex between men accounts for most HIV infections. This study examines sexual behavior and the correlates of condom use in a snowball sample of 342 HIV non-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zagreb. The median age of participants in the sample was 27 years. The majority of participants (81%) reported using condom at last anal sex with casual partner and 56% claimed to have used condoms consistently at anal sex with casual partners in the last 12 months. HIV risk self-assessment and number of sexual partners were significantly correlated with condom use at last anal sex with casual partner. Self-assessed HIV-risk and heterosexual activity were found associated with consistent condom use at anal sex with casual partners. To sustain a low-level HIV epidemic, targeted intervention among young MSM is needed in Croatia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Catchment Area, Health
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Croatia / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires