This study described sexual behaviours among adolescents living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Zimbabwe. This study utilised a quantitative descriptive design. Data was collected using structured questionnaires from 341 adolescents living with HIV. Findings revealed that some adolescents were sexually active and had early onset of sexual activity (before their sixteenth birthday). A good proportion of sexually active adolescents were noted not to practise safer sex and the main reason was condom inaccessibility and some had multiple sex partners. Factors independently associated with being sexually active included exposure to erotic content on television programmes, having a psychiatric diagnosis, discussions of sexuality with health worker and older age. Adolescents` behaviours living with HIV and the issue of availability of condoms may play a part in the spread of HIV. More discussions and research on sexuality of adolescents are recommended / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

No description available.

The Department of Education is promoting HIV/AIDS education programmes in the public schools of South Africa, particularly through the subject Life Orientation. Therefore, this study investigates the role of Life Orientation in addressing HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal secondary schools. Different role-players were evaluated to ascertain their attitudes and beliefs about Life Orientation and HIV/AIDS. The examination of different role-players was undertaken to establish the significance of their attitudes and beliefs on the success or failure of the Life Orientation based sex and HIV education programmes in the schools. An attempt was also made to find a relevant definition of the subject Life Orientation that contains the meaning and the purpose of the subject. Teachers were found to be uncertain about an appropriate definition that carries the meaning of Life Orientation; hence they tend to define it by its components such as Life skills, physical education, decision-making, HIV education and others. The study also sought to establish the impact of sex education embedded in Life Orientation on the fight against HIV/AIDS. Sex education was examined to determine whether it encourages or reduces youth sexual activities. In order for teachers to be able to use Life Orientation content to drive sex and HIV education programmes, it had to be ascertained if they were informed or not about HIV/AIDS. The questionnaire carried out an extensive assessment of teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and their personal stance on HIV/AIDS. This study established that training of teachers in both Life Orientation and HIV/AIDS provides them with knowledge which enables them to positively handle sex and HIV education programmes in the classroom. It was for this reason that the study made recommendations with regard to training and support programmes to ensure that teachers are adequately equipped for effective implementation of the subject Life Orientation in the National Curriculum Statement. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

O comportamento \"barebacking\" é definido como o intercurso sexual anal entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) que decidem intencionalmente não usar preservativos, no contexto de risco do HIV. O comportamento sexual compulsivo (CSC) pode agir na motivação do comportamento \"barebacking\", aumentando o risco de transmissão do HIV, sendo que no Brasil a prevalência do HIV entre HSH é de 10,5%. Objetivos: estimar a frequência do comportamento \"barebacking\" nos HSH compulsivos sexuais, e investigar a associação do comportamento \"barebacking\" com: infecção pelo HIV; comportamento sexual de risco; severidade do CSC; transtorno associado ao uso de álcool e drogas; grau de otimismo em relação ao tratamento do HIV; capacidade de vinculação afetiva tipo segura; consolidação da identidade; e as seguintes dimensões de personalidade: busca de novidades, esquiva ao dano, dependência de gratificação e autodirecionamento. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado em amostra de HSH que buscaram tratamento para o CSC. Participaram 55 homens compulsivos sexuais, sendo que 21 apresentavam o comportamento \"barebacking\" e 34 não. Foram avaliados em entrevista psiquiátrica para verificação dos critérios de elegibilidade (critérios de dependência de sexo e de Impulso Sexual Excessivo, diagnósticos de exclusão, nível cognitivo). Todos responderam os seguintes instrumentos: Inventário de Consolidação de Identidade, Escala de Vinculação de Adulto, Escala de Compulsividade Sexual, Escala de Otimismo/Ceticismo no contexto dos tratamentos do HIV, Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter, Instrumento de Avaliação de Risco no Comportamento Sexual, além de questões complementares quanto ao comportamento \"barebacking\" e HIV. Ainda participaram de entrevista com a pesquisadora, que teve a finalidade de investigar a intencionalidade do não uso do preservativo. Resultados: 38% da amostra apresentaram comportamento \"barebacking\", sendo que 64% apresentaram orientação homossexual e 36% bissexual, e o comportamento \"barebacking\" associou-se à homossexualidade (p < 0,05). Comparando-se indivíduos com e sem o comportamento \"barebacking\", não se encontrou diferença em relação: a transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool e/ou drogas, ao otimismo quanto ao tratamento do HIV, à vinculação afetiva, às dimensões de personalidade esquiva ao dano e dependência de gratificação. Houve uma tendência à associação à severidade do CSC, à consolidação da identidade e à busca de novidades. Houve associação negativa com a dimensão de personalidade autodirecionamento (p < 0,001). A prevalência do HIV foi de 20% na amostra total e de 43% dentre os participantes com comportamento \"barebacking\" (p < 0,05). Conclusões: a orientação homossexual e o baixo autodirecionamento foram preditores de comportamento \"barebacking\" neste estudo, sugerindo menor autonomia, reduzida força de vontade, desorganização, baixa capacidade de controle interno, baixa autoaceitação e baixa autoestima, como característica de personalidade dos que apresentam comportamento \"barebacking\" / The barebacking behavior is defined as anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM) who intentionally decide do not to use condoms in the context of HIV risk. Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) can act in motivating the barebacking behavior increasing the risk of HIV transmission, whereas in Brazil the prevalence of HIV among MSM is 10.5%. Goals: To estimate the frequency of barebacking behavior in sexually compulsive MSM, and to investigate the association of barebacking behavior with: HIV infection, sexual risk behavior, severity of CSB; substance disorders; degree of optimism regarding the treatment of HIV; ability to develop secure emotional attachment type, identity consolidation, and the following personality dimensions: novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence and self-directedness. Methods: Cross-sectional study in a sample of MSM who sought treatment for CSB. 55 sexually compulsive men participated, of whom 21 presented the barebacking behavior and 34 do not. All of them were underwent to psychiatric interview for verification of eligibility criteria (criteria for sex addiction and Excessive Sexual Drive, exclusion psychiatric diagnosis, and cognitive level). All answered the following instruments: Identity Consolidation Inventory, the Adult Attachment Scale, Scale of Sexual Compulsivity, Scale Optimism/Scepticism in the context of HIV treatments, Temperament and Character Inventory, Instrument Risk Assessment in Sexual Behavior, plus additional questions regarding the barebacking behavior and HIV. They were also interviewed by the researcher, whose purpose was to investigate the intentionality of not using condoms. Results: 38% of the sample presented barebacking behavior, whereas 64% were gay and 36% bisexual, and barebacking behavior was associated with being gay (p < 0.05). Comparing subjects with and without the barebacking behavior no difference was found in relation to: substance disorders, optimism regarding the treatment of HIV, adult attachment, personality dimensions harm avoidance and reward dependence. There was a trend toward association with severity of CSB, and the consolidation of identity and novelty seeking. There was a negative association with the personality dimension self-directedness (p < 0.001). HIV prevalence was 20% in the total sample and 43% among participants with barebacking behavior (p < 0.05). Conclusions: gay and low self-directedness predicted barebacking behavior in this study, suggesting low autonomy, reduced willpower, disorganization, low ability for internal control, low self-acceptance and low self-esteem, as personality characteristics from those presenting barebacking behavior

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, nível de estresse, consumo de álcool e drogas e repertório de habilidades sociais na prática de sexo sem preservativo em uma amostra representativa de indivíduos com HIV/AIDS em tratamento ambulatorial na cidade de São Paulo. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa 667 pacientes, 383 (57,4%) homens e 284 (42,6%) mulheres, portadores do vírus HIV em tratamento na Casa da AIDS, Emílio Ribas, CRT Santa Cruz, SAE DST/AIDS Campos Elíseos, SAE DST/AIDS Cidade Líder II, CR DST/AIDS Nossa Senhora do Ó, AE Vila Prudente e CR DST/AIDS Santo Amaro. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Mini Exame do Estado Mental, questionário sociodemográfico, Escalas de Avaliação de Ansiedade e Depressão de Beck, Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse, Escala de assertividade de Rathus, questionário sobre uso de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas, AUDIT, Questionário sobre Comportamento Sexual na Vida e a Escala de Avaliação de Comportamento Sexual de Risco - SERBAS. Os pacientes foram entrevistados nos locais onde faziam seu tratamento. Resultados: A análise múltipla mostrou que ter algum parceiro soropositivo e ter feito uso de maconha antes do sexo foram associados negativamente ao uso do preservativo. Ter dois ou mais parceiros sexuais nos últimos três meses foi associado a ter trabalho regular, ter feito sexo em grupo, contaminação anterior por alguma outra doença sexualmente transmissível, parceiro soropositivo, não residir com o parceiro, sexo em troca de álcool, droga, abrigo/comida alguma vez na vida, orientação homossexual, prática de sexo anal, CD4 acima de 350 cels/mm3 e uso de cocaína antes do sexo. Sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, nível de estresse e falta de habilidades sociais afetaram significativamente a vida sexual dessa população diminuindo as chances de fazer sexo nos três meses anteriores à entrevista, mas não mostraram associação com o uso de preservativo e múltiplos parceiros. Conclusão: Pessoas com HIV que fazem sexo sem preservativo apresentam características diferentes daquelas que tem múltiplos parceiros. A sorologia do parceiro foi uma variável importante para a prática de sexo sem preservativo. A orientação homo e bissexual, prática de sexo anal e o sexo masculino foram mais associadas a ter mais parceiros sexuais. O consumo de álcool e outras drogas esteve presente nos dois comportamentos de risco. Identificar os fatores associados a esses comportamentos de risco e as diferenças encontradas no perfil das pessoas que fizeram sexo sem preservativo e daquelas que tiveram múltiplos parceiros são pontos importantes para programas de prevenção. Tais características podem servir como marcadores que auxiliam os profissionais de saúde a detectar possíveis comportamentos de risco e planejar estratégias de prevenção / Introduction: The AIDS epidemic is a major public health problem. It is estimated that, even after becoming aware of their serostatus, one in three people with HIV continues to have sex without a condom, regardless of the partner\'s serostatus. Purpose: To evaluated the influence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, stress level, alcohol and drug use and the range of social skills on having sex without a condom in a representative sample of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and receiving outpatient treatment in the city of São Paulo. Methods: 667 patients - 383 (57.4%) men and 284 (42.6%) women - with HIV and being treated at Casa da AIDS, Emílio Ribas, CRT Santa Cruz, SAE DST/AIDS Campos Elíseos, SAE DST/AIDS Cidade Líder II, CR DST/AIDS Nossa Senhora do Ó, AE Vila Prudente and CR DST/AIDS Santo Amaro participated in the study. The following tools were used to collect data: Mini-Mental State Examination, social and demographic survey, Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, Stress Symptom Inventory, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use survey, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Sexual Behavior Survey, and Sexual Risk Behavior Assessment (SERBAS). Patients were interviewed at the places where they were being treated. Results: The multiple analysis has shown that having an HIV-positive partner and using marijuana before sex were negatively associated with condom use. Having two or more partners over the past three months was been associated with having regular job, have done group sex, previous infection with other sexually transmitted infections, an HIV-positive partner, not living with the partner, sex in exchange for alcohol, drug, shelter/food at least once in their lives, homosexuality, engagement in anal sex, CD4 cells/mm3 count above 350, and use of cocaine before sex. Anxiety and depression symptoms, stress level and lack of social skills significantly affected the sexual lives of that population, making them less likely to have sex in the three months before the interview, but they were not associated with the use of a condom and multiple partners. Conclusion: The characteristics of HIV-positive individuals who have unprotected sex are different from those who have multiple partners. The partners\' serostatus was an important variable for engaging in unprotected sex. Homosexuality and bisexuality, anal sex and male gender were more associated in individuals who had more sexual partners. Use of alcohol and other drugs was present in both risk behaviors. Identifying the factors associated with those risk behaviors and the differences between the profiles of the individuals who had sex without a condom and those who had multiple partners is critical for prevention programs. Such characteristics can serve as markers to help health care professionals identify possible risk behaviors and plan prevention strategies ____________________________

Men are frequently left out of the picture in the study of family planning and sexual risk behavior. This approach means few programs and policies address men's family planning and sexual health issues. There is also a lack of understanding of the role fatherhood plays in men's development and in family planning and sexual health. For Mexican immigrant men, the picture is even worse given their disadvantaged position and the unique obstacles they face (e.g., language barriers, acculturation issues) that put them at risk for experiencing unintended pregnancies and contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Grounded in symbolic interactionism and life course theory, I explored how social roles (e.g., partner, father), individual factors (e.g., education, cultural values), and health systems influence the family planning and sexual risk-taking experiences of young Mexican immigrant men paying particular attention to differences and similarities between fathers and nonfathers. To answer the research questions, a qualitative study was conducted using secondary data from the Latino Health Project: Men Only. The sample was comprised of 21 fathers and 25 nonfathers ages 18 to 30 (N = 46), all of whom had lived in the United States for 10 years or fewer, thus being considered recent immigrants. Data for the project were collected using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions followed by directive probes. The analysis process used grounded theory methodology techniques (LaRossa, 2005). Key findings suggest that both fatherhood status and partners play an important role in men's experience with sexual and reproductive health, with partners playing a more influential role. Fatherhood plays a more active role in men's ideas about family planning while partners seem to play an influential role in men's actual behaviors such as engaging in family planning services and using birth control other than condoms. The influence that fatherhood and partners have on men's experiences with family planning and sexual risk-taking was shaped by a unique combination of accurate information, different levels of knowledge, and misinformation. Access to services was shaped by health systems that prevented men from seeking services due to documentation issues and economic barriers. Cultural factors such as machismo, marianismo, and personalismo also influenced some attitudes and behaviors related to birth control use, vasectomies, risk-taking, and services utilization. Findings suggest these men are exposing themselves and their partners to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Beyond these being public health concerns, it is crucial that researchers, policy makers, and service providers remember that current sexual risk behaviors have a direct impact on the fertility and family formation patterns of the fastest growing population in the United States. / Graduation date: 2012 / Access restricted to the OSU Community at author's request from Jan. 9, 2012 - Jan. 9, 2013

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to measure the level of HIV and Aids knowledge, attitudes and safer sex practices among student men who have sex with men (MSM) at a higher education institution in the Western Cape. The study served to recommend guidelines for effective and enhanced targeted intervention response for MSM student community. A total of 36 MSM students aged between 19 and 36 (of which most were South African, black and Xhosa speaking) were recruited to take part in the study. Selection was done via snowball sampling. Respondents completed questionnaires upon consenting to participate in the study. The study found moderately high levels of basic HIV knowledge among the sampled MSM population. There were, however, lower levels of knowledge reported regarding the associated risk and effective prevention strategies of anal sex when compared to similar information about vaginal sex and oral sex. Findings also show that participants had very positive attitudes towards HIV testing, condom use and a non-discriminating environment. Respondents lacked confidence in both management and student leadership with regards to their responsibility in mitigating homophobia/discrimination against MSM student population. Furthermore, a high number of respondents reported having sex with men and women as well as multiple sexual partnerships. Self-reported alcohol and drug use were found to be very low, with the majority of participants indicating non-use. Participants stated little challenges accessing health care services. However, respondents felt MSM specific information about health care related rights and needs were lacking. Recommendations from this study include current HIV and Aids policy reform, mainstreaming MSM-friendly health care services, introducing combination HIV prevention programmes such as Mpowerment and addressing the human rights needs of MSM. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die vlakke van MIV en Vigs kennis, houdings en veilige seksuele praktyke onder manlike studente wat seks het met mans (MSM) by 'n hoër onderwys instansie in die Wes-Kaap te meet. Die studie het gepoog om riglyne daar te stel vir die bewerkstelling van effektiewe en verbeterde geteikende intervensies vir die MSM studente gemeenskap. Daar was 36 MSM studente tussen die ouderdomme van 19 en 36 (meestal Suid-Afrikaans, swart en Xhosa-sprekend) gewerf vir die studie. Seleksie is gedoen deur middel van die sneeubal steekproef-metode. Deelnemers het 'n vraelys voltooi nadat hulle ingewillig het om deel te neem aan die studie. Deelnemers het matig tot hoë vlakke van basiese MIV en Vigs kennis getoon. Daar was egter laer vlakke van kennis oor gepaardgaande risiko’s en effektiewe voorkoming strategieë ten opsigte van anale seks in vergelyking met dieselfde informasie oor vaginale en orale seks. Die studie het verder bevind dat deelnemers baie positiewe houdings gehad het teenoor MIV-toetsing, die gebruik van kondome en 'n nie-diskriminerende omgewing. Verder het hulle min vertroue getoon in beide die bestuur en studente leierskap se vermoë om sake wat verband hou met homofobie en/of diskriminasie teen die MSM studente bevolking, effektief te hanteer. Daar is gevind dat baie respondente seks het met mans en vroue en ook verskeie seksuele maats het. Self-gerapporteerde alkohol- en dwelmgebruik was relatief laag onder respondente met die meerderheid wat aangedui het hulle glad nie alkohol of dwelms gebruik nie. Deelnemers het ook rapporteer dat gesondheidsdienste vir hulle maklik toeganklik is. Respondente het ook gevoel dat MSM spesifieke informasie oor gesondheidsverwante regte en behoeftes tans ontbreek. Aanbevelings wat voortspruit uit hierdie studie sluit in die hersien van die huidige MIV en Vigs beleid, die skepping van MSM-vriendelike dienste, die implementering van MIV-voorkomingsprogramme soos Mpowerment en die bevordering van menseregte wat verband hou met MSM.

The Department of Education is promoting HIV/AIDS education programmes in the public schools of South Africa, particularly through the subject Life Orientation. Therefore, this study investigates the role of Life Orientation in addressing HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal secondary schools. Different role-players were evaluated to ascertain their attitudes and beliefs about Life Orientation and HIV/AIDS. The examination of different role-players was undertaken to establish the significance of their attitudes and beliefs on the success or failure of the Life Orientation based sex and HIV education programmes in the schools. An attempt was also made to find a relevant definition of the subject Life Orientation that contains the meaning and the purpose of the subject. Teachers were found to be uncertain about an appropriate definition that carries the meaning of Life Orientation; hence they tend to define it by its components such as Life skills, physical education, decision-making, HIV education and others. The study also sought to establish the impact of sex education embedded in Life Orientation on the fight against HIV/AIDS. Sex education was examined to determine whether it encourages or reduces youth sexual activities. In order for teachers to be able to use Life Orientation content to drive sex and HIV education programmes, it had to be ascertained if they were informed or not about HIV/AIDS. The questionnaire carried out an extensive assessment of teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and their personal stance on HIV/AIDS. This study established that training of teachers in both Life Orientation and HIV/AIDS provides them with knowledge which enables them to positively handle sex and HIV education programmes in the classroom. It was for this reason that the study made recommendations with regard to training and support programmes to ensure that teachers are adequately equipped for effective implementation of the subject Life Orientation in the National Curriculum Statement. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, nível de estresse, consumo de álcool e drogas e repertório de habilidades sociais na prática de sexo sem preservativo em uma amostra representativa de indivíduos com HIV/AIDS em tratamento ambulatorial na cidade de São Paulo. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa 667 pacientes, 383 (57,4%) homens e 284 (42,6%) mulheres, portadores do vírus HIV em tratamento na Casa da AIDS, Emílio Ribas, CRT Santa Cruz, SAE DST/AIDS Campos Elíseos, SAE DST/AIDS Cidade Líder II, CR DST/AIDS Nossa Senhora do Ó, AE Vila Prudente e CR DST/AIDS Santo Amaro. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Mini Exame do Estado Mental, questionário sociodemográfico, Escalas de Avaliação de Ansiedade e Depressão de Beck, Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse, Escala de assertividade de Rathus, questionário sobre uso de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas, AUDIT, Questionário sobre Comportamento Sexual na Vida e a Escala de Avaliação de Comportamento Sexual de Risco - SERBAS. Os pacientes foram entrevistados nos locais onde faziam seu tratamento. Resultados: A análise múltipla mostrou que ter algum parceiro soropositivo e ter feito uso de maconha antes do sexo foram associados negativamente ao uso do preservativo. Ter dois ou mais parceiros sexuais nos últimos três meses foi associado a ter trabalho regular, ter feito sexo em grupo, contaminação anterior por alguma outra doença sexualmente transmissível, parceiro soropositivo, não residir com o parceiro, sexo em troca de álcool, droga, abrigo/comida alguma vez na vida, orientação homossexual, prática de sexo anal, CD4 acima de 350 cels/mm3 e uso de cocaína antes do sexo. Sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, nível de estresse e falta de habilidades sociais afetaram significativamente a vida sexual dessa população diminuindo as chances de fazer sexo nos três meses anteriores à entrevista, mas não mostraram associação com o uso de preservativo e múltiplos parceiros. Conclusão: Pessoas com HIV que fazem sexo sem preservativo apresentam características diferentes daquelas que tem múltiplos parceiros. A sorologia do parceiro foi uma variável importante para a prática de sexo sem preservativo. A orientação homo e bissexual, prática de sexo anal e o sexo masculino foram mais associadas a ter mais parceiros sexuais. O consumo de álcool e outras drogas esteve presente nos dois comportamentos de risco. Identificar os fatores associados a esses comportamentos de risco e as diferenças encontradas no perfil das pessoas que fizeram sexo sem preservativo e daquelas que tiveram múltiplos parceiros são pontos importantes para programas de prevenção. Tais características podem servir como marcadores que auxiliam os profissionais de saúde a detectar possíveis comportamentos de risco e planejar estratégias de prevenção / Introduction: The AIDS epidemic is a major public health problem. It is estimated that, even after becoming aware of their serostatus, one in three people with HIV continues to have sex without a condom, regardless of the partner\'s serostatus. Purpose: To evaluated the influence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, stress level, alcohol and drug use and the range of social skills on having sex without a condom in a representative sample of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and receiving outpatient treatment in the city of São Paulo. Methods: 667 patients - 383 (57.4%) men and 284 (42.6%) women - with HIV and being treated at Casa da AIDS, Emílio Ribas, CRT Santa Cruz, SAE DST/AIDS Campos Elíseos, SAE DST/AIDS Cidade Líder II, CR DST/AIDS Nossa Senhora do Ó, AE Vila Prudente and CR DST/AIDS Santo Amaro participated in the study. The following tools were used to collect data: Mini-Mental State Examination, social and demographic survey, Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, Stress Symptom Inventory, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use survey, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Sexual Behavior Survey, and Sexual Risk Behavior Assessment (SERBAS). Patients were interviewed at the places where they were being treated. Results: The multiple analysis has shown that having an HIV-positive partner and using marijuana before sex were negatively associated with condom use. Having two or more partners over the past three months was been associated with having regular job, have done group sex, previous infection with other sexually transmitted infections, an HIV-positive partner, not living with the partner, sex in exchange for alcohol, drug, shelter/food at least once in their lives, homosexuality, engagement in anal sex, CD4 cells/mm3 count above 350, and use of cocaine before sex. Anxiety and depression symptoms, stress level and lack of social skills significantly affected the sexual lives of that population, making them less likely to have sex in the three months before the interview, but they were not associated with the use of a condom and multiple partners. Conclusion: The characteristics of HIV-positive individuals who have unprotected sex are different from those who have multiple partners. The partners\' serostatus was an important variable for engaging in unprotected sex. Homosexuality and bisexuality, anal sex and male gender were more associated in individuals who had more sexual partners. Use of alcohol and other drugs was present in both risk behaviors. Identifying the factors associated with those risk behaviors and the differences between the profiles of the individuals who had sex without a condom and those who had multiple partners is critical for prevention programs. Such characteristics can serve as markers to help health care professionals identify possible risk behaviors and plan prevention strategies ____________________________

O comportamento \"barebacking\" é definido como o intercurso sexual anal entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) que decidem intencionalmente não usar preservativos, no contexto de risco do HIV. O comportamento sexual compulsivo (CSC) pode agir na motivação do comportamento \"barebacking\", aumentando o risco de transmissão do HIV, sendo que no Brasil a prevalência do HIV entre HSH é de 10,5%. Objetivos: estimar a frequência do comportamento \"barebacking\" nos HSH compulsivos sexuais, e investigar a associação do comportamento \"barebacking\" com: infecção pelo HIV; comportamento sexual de risco; severidade do CSC; transtorno associado ao uso de álcool e drogas; grau de otimismo em relação ao tratamento do HIV; capacidade de vinculação afetiva tipo segura; consolidação da identidade; e as seguintes dimensões de personalidade: busca de novidades, esquiva ao dano, dependência de gratificação e autodirecionamento. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado em amostra de HSH que buscaram tratamento para o CSC. Participaram 55 homens compulsivos sexuais, sendo que 21 apresentavam o comportamento \"barebacking\" e 34 não. Foram avaliados em entrevista psiquiátrica para verificação dos critérios de elegibilidade (critérios de dependência de sexo e de Impulso Sexual Excessivo, diagnósticos de exclusão, nível cognitivo). Todos responderam os seguintes instrumentos: Inventário de Consolidação de Identidade, Escala de Vinculação de Adulto, Escala de Compulsividade Sexual, Escala de Otimismo/Ceticismo no contexto dos tratamentos do HIV, Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter, Instrumento de Avaliação de Risco no Comportamento Sexual, além de questões complementares quanto ao comportamento \"barebacking\" e HIV. Ainda participaram de entrevista com a pesquisadora, que teve a finalidade de investigar a intencionalidade do não uso do preservativo. Resultados: 38% da amostra apresentaram comportamento \"barebacking\", sendo que 64% apresentaram orientação homossexual e 36% bissexual, e o comportamento \"barebacking\" associou-se à homossexualidade (p < 0,05). Comparando-se indivíduos com e sem o comportamento \"barebacking\", não se encontrou diferença em relação: a transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool e/ou drogas, ao otimismo quanto ao tratamento do HIV, à vinculação afetiva, às dimensões de personalidade esquiva ao dano e dependência de gratificação. Houve uma tendência à associação à severidade do CSC, à consolidação da identidade e à busca de novidades. Houve associação negativa com a dimensão de personalidade autodirecionamento (p < 0,001). A prevalência do HIV foi de 20% na amostra total e de 43% dentre os participantes com comportamento \"barebacking\" (p < 0,05). Conclusões: a orientação homossexual e o baixo autodirecionamento foram preditores de comportamento \"barebacking\" neste estudo, sugerindo menor autonomia, reduzida força de vontade, desorganização, baixa capacidade de controle interno, baixa autoaceitação e baixa autoestima, como característica de personalidade dos que apresentam comportamento \"barebacking\" / The barebacking behavior is defined as anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM) who intentionally decide do not to use condoms in the context of HIV risk. Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) can act in motivating the barebacking behavior increasing the risk of HIV transmission, whereas in Brazil the prevalence of HIV among MSM is 10.5%. Goals: To estimate the frequency of barebacking behavior in sexually compulsive MSM, and to investigate the association of barebacking behavior with: HIV infection, sexual risk behavior, severity of CSB; substance disorders; degree of optimism regarding the treatment of HIV; ability to develop secure emotional attachment type, identity consolidation, and the following personality dimensions: novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence and self-directedness. Methods: Cross-sectional study in a sample of MSM who sought treatment for CSB. 55 sexually compulsive men participated, of whom 21 presented the barebacking behavior and 34 do not. All of them were underwent to psychiatric interview for verification of eligibility criteria (criteria for sex addiction and Excessive Sexual Drive, exclusion psychiatric diagnosis, and cognitive level). All answered the following instruments: Identity Consolidation Inventory, the Adult Attachment Scale, Scale of Sexual Compulsivity, Scale Optimism/Scepticism in the context of HIV treatments, Temperament and Character Inventory, Instrument Risk Assessment in Sexual Behavior, plus additional questions regarding the barebacking behavior and HIV. They were also interviewed by the researcher, whose purpose was to investigate the intentionality of not using condoms. Results: 38% of the sample presented barebacking behavior, whereas 64% were gay and 36% bisexual, and barebacking behavior was associated with being gay (p < 0.05). Comparing subjects with and without the barebacking behavior no difference was found in relation to: substance disorders, optimism regarding the treatment of HIV, adult attachment, personality dimensions harm avoidance and reward dependence. There was a trend toward association with severity of CSB, and the consolidation of identity and novelty seeking. There was a negative association with the personality dimension self-directedness (p < 0.001). HIV prevalence was 20% in the total sample and 43% among participants with barebacking behavior (p < 0.05). Conclusions: gay and low self-directedness predicted barebacking behavior in this study, suggesting low autonomy, reduced willpower, disorganization, low ability for internal control, low self-acceptance and low self-esteem, as personality characteristics from those presenting barebacking behavior