Perry, N. S., Nelson, K. M., Carey, M. P., & Simoni, J. M. (2018).
Health Psychology.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hea0000678
Abstract
Objective:
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remain at high risk of HIV infection via condomless anal sex. Sexually explicit media (SEM) likely influences GBMSM’s sexual behavior and has been associated with condomless anal sex. SEM messages may be especially potent during formative developmental periods.
Method:
We examined the association between age of first SEM exposure and condomless anal sex in a sample of adult GBMSM (N = 1,114) recruited using the Internet.
Results:
Every 1-year delay in age of first SEM exposure resulted in a 3% decrease in the odds of engaging in condomless anal sex as an adult (odds ratio = .97, 95% CI [.95, .99], p = .01). This association remained significant in 3 separate multivariable models that controlled for age of sexual debut, age of anal sex debut, and current age, respectively. This association was moderated by ethnicity such that the effect was stronger among Latino men.
Conclusions:
GBMSM who were exposed to SEM earlier in their lives report more sexual risk behavior as adults. SEM exposure in GBMSM is an important sexual development milestone deserving further research
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