Project Title
HIV Prevalence in Gay and Bisexual Men: An Application of the Social Cognitive Theory
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Johnny Moore
Abstract
Background: Research has proven that HIV prevalence is most prominent among gay and bisexual men (G&BM). G&BM account for roughly 67% of HIV cases in the United States. Southern states alone account for over 52% of new HIV diagnoses, with G&BM aged 13-34 making up most of the HIV cases out of the population. Risk factors that contribute to the high rates of HIV include the negative stigma associated with the virus, lack of education, and unsafe sex practices. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Social Cognitive Theory to examine factors contributing to HIV prevalence in G&BM to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Relevant articles were obtained using scholarly databases including PubMed and Galileo. A logic model was used to align theory to practice. Keywords include: HIV, HIV in gay men, HIV in bisexual men, HIV stigma. Results (Practical Application): The literature assessed confirms that the Social Cognitive Theory is useful in addressing HIV prevalence in G&BM . The constructs of situational perception, outcome expectancies, and emotional coping were found to be the most influential. Studies have proven G&BM experience high rates of stigma from risk factors, despite never being HIV positive. Additionally, G&BM possess a higher risk of contracting HIV if they reside in the South. Implications: The negative stigma present associated with HIV plays a role in the high prevalence of the disease. G&BM face discrimination behind their risk of HIV, which could be altered by proper education. Health educators can promote better education amongst the HIV positive population, along with others who do not have it, to attempt and eliminate stigma. Furthermore, promoting safe sex could contribute to more consistent practices by distributing condoms and learning the early signs and symptoms of the virus.
HIV Prevalence in Gay and Bisexual Men: An Application of the Social Cognitive Theory
Background: Research has proven that HIV prevalence is most prominent among gay and bisexual men (G&BM). G&BM account for roughly 67% of HIV cases in the United States. Southern states alone account for over 52% of new HIV diagnoses, with G&BM aged 13-34 making up most of the HIV cases out of the population. Risk factors that contribute to the high rates of HIV include the negative stigma associated with the virus, lack of education, and unsafe sex practices. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Social Cognitive Theory to examine factors contributing to HIV prevalence in G&BM to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Relevant articles were obtained using scholarly databases including PubMed and Galileo. A logic model was used to align theory to practice. Keywords include: HIV, HIV in gay men, HIV in bisexual men, HIV stigma. Results (Practical Application): The literature assessed confirms that the Social Cognitive Theory is useful in addressing HIV prevalence in G&BM . The constructs of situational perception, outcome expectancies, and emotional coping were found to be the most influential. Studies have proven G&BM experience high rates of stigma from risk factors, despite never being HIV positive. Additionally, G&BM possess a higher risk of contracting HIV if they reside in the South. Implications: The negative stigma present associated with HIV plays a role in the high prevalence of the disease. G&BM face discrimination behind their risk of HIV, which could be altered by proper education. Health educators can promote better education amongst the HIV positive population, along with others who do not have it, to attempt and eliminate stigma. Furthermore, promoting safe sex could contribute to more consistent practices by distributing condoms and learning the early signs and symptoms of the virus.