Parr, Alex and Llewellyn, Carrie (2016) [Abstract] Understanding the sexual appetites of men who have sex with men (MSM) taking part in a sexual risk reduction intervention after being prescribed postexposure prophylaxis for HIV after sexual exposure (PEPSE). In: Unset.

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Abstract

Background/introduction: Risky sexual behaviours remain the drivers behind new HIV infections within MSM in the UK. Understanding reasons behind risk behaviour could inform HIV prevention strategies.

Aim(s)/objectives: To document sexual appetite/libido among MSM taking PEPSE, and to examine the relations between libido and risk behaviours.

Methods: Data were collected at enrolment, as part of an ongoing RCT evaluating a behavioural intervention to reduce HIV risk behaviour. Within this study, a 10-item measure of libido was included (possible range of scores 10–40). This assessed how much thoughts and feelings about sex were considered disruptive.

Results: 171 MSM responded (mean age 34.5, SD 9.1, range 19–66 yrs). Mean(SD)libido score was 20.4 (7.7); median was 19 (range 30). Those with higher libido reported a higher number of sexual partners, both insertive (rs = 0.298; p ≤ 0.001; n = 162) and receptive (rs = 0.329; p ≤ 0.001; n = 164), and inconsistent condom use, both insertive (rs = 0.185;p = 0.042; n = 121) and receptive (rs = 0.227; p = 0.009; n = 132). Higher libido was associated with higher levels of loneliness (rs = 0.401; p ≤ 0.001; n = 165); reduced self-efficacy (rs = −0.230; p = 0.003; n = 165), action planning (rs = −0.182; p = 0.019; n = 164), intentions (rs = −0.163; p = 0.036; n = 165) and behavioural likelihood (rs = −0.228; p = 0.003; n = 165) of performing safer sex strategies. Loneliness was related to inconsistent condom use, both insertive (rs = 0.191; p = 0.021; n = 147) and receptive (rs = 0.165; p = 0.036; n = 162), and a high number of sexual partners (receptive) (rs = 0.164; p = 0.033; n = 171).

Discussion/conclusion: Risky behaviours are related to stronger sexual appetites/libido and loneliness within this sample. The potential importance of libido and loneliness should be recognised within the context of future HIV prevention efforts.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Schools and Departments:	Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Primary Care and Public Health
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine > RA0440 Study and teaching. Research
Depositing User:	Phoenix Marshall
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2016 10:17
Last Modified:	02 Dec 2016 15:34
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/63196

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