Sexual risk and preventive behaviors of men: results from a Portuguese online survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare gay, heterosexual and bisexual men's HIV testing patterns, HIV test results, and sexual preventive behaviours. Data were collected through an online survey. The study's sample included 732 participants who met the selection criteria. Average age of participants was 32.2 years; 53.7% self-identified as gay, 27.4% as heterosexual, and 18.3% as bisexual. This distribution reflects the fact that the study was mostly publicized using LGBT networks. A total of 26.6% had never tested for HIV; 7.2% said they were HIV-positive. Gay men had significantly higher levels of HIV testing as well as rates of HIV infection when compared with the other groups. Overall, gay men displayed a larger variety of prevention strategies. All the groups under study showed specific and differentiated behavioural profiles with regard to HIV. We conclude that more efficient and tailored campaigns need to be developed to address each group's specific HIV prevention needs, in particular heterosexual and gay men's.