Document 2485
 DOCN  M94A2485
 TI    HIV-associated behaviors and attitudes among gay and bisexual men in
       Barcelona, Spain.
 DT    9412
 AU    Rodes A; Blanch C; Wang J; Tort X; Petit J; Casabona J; AIDS Program,
       Generalitat de Catalunya, Coordinadora Gai i; Lesbiana, Barcelona.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):293 (abstract no. PC0100). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370090
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To describe attitudes and determinants of safer sex behaviors
       among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Barcelona. METHODS: Between April
       and June 1993, men were recruited in two ways--first, on-site
       recruitment at gay saunas and gay sex-shops and second, mailings to the
       membership roster of the largest gay/lesbian community organization in
       Catalonia (GLCO). To increase the response rate among the latter, a
       second questionnaire was mailed to members of the GLCO. Demographic,
       epidemiological and behavioral data were collected by means of an
       anonymous self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 531
       questionnaires were collected, 28.2% from gay saunas, 11.1% from sex
       shops and 60.7% from the mailing. Mean age of the sample was 33 years,
       and 41.9% had completed university. 98.1% of the sample was sexually
       active during the previous six months, with 82.2% reporting more than 1
       male partner. As for sexual practices, 86.6% engaged in anal
       intercourse, and 32% of men who had casual sex reported not always using
       condoms. Overall, 60.6% reported to have been tested for HIV, of whom
       20.4% reported to be HIV positive. Multivariate analysis of this data
       will be presented to better identify determinants of safer sex
       behaviors. DISCUSSION: This study has been the first assessment of gay
       and bisexual men in Spain in light of the HIV epidemic. These results
       show that HIV-associated behaviors are quite prevalent among this
       population and that education and prevention strategies should be
       enhanced. This study also demonstrates the importance and feasibility of
       collaboration between a National AIDS Program and a local gay community
       organization (Coordinadora Gai-Lesbiana), with effective involvement
       throughout the planning and execution phases of the study.
 DE    *Bisexuality/PSYCHOLOGY  *Homosexuality/PSYCHOLOGY  Human  HIV
       Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Male
       Sex Behavior  Spain  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).