Faculty Collaboration Database

High-risk sexual behavior, HIV/STD prevalence, and risk predictors in the social networks of young Roma (Gypsy) men in Bulgaria. J Immigr Minor Health 2013 Feb;15(1):172-81

Date

03/01/2012

Pubmed ID

22370730

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4107306

DOI

10.1007/s10903-012-9596-4

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84872594583 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   10 Citations

Abstract

Roma (Gypsies), the largest and most disadvantaged ethnic minority group in Europe, are believed to be vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This study's aim was to examine HIV risk in 6 Roma male sociocentric networks (n = 405 men) in Bulgaria. Participants were interviewed concerning their risk practices and tested for HIV/STDs. High-risk sexual behaviors were common. Over 57% of men had multiple sexual partners in the past 3 months. Over one-third of men reported both male and female partners in the past year. Condom use was low. Greater levels of sexual risk were associated with lower intentions and self-efficacy for using condoms, drug use, having male partners, knowing HIV-positive persons, and having higher AIDS knowledge but no prior HIV testing. Two men had HIV infection, 3.7% gonorrhea, and 5.2% chlamydia. HIV prevention interventions directed toward high-risk social networks of Roma are needed before HIV infection becomes more widely established.

Author List

Amirkhanian YA, Kelly JA, Kabakchieva E, Antonova R, Vassileva S, Difranceisco WJ, McAuliffe TL, Vassilev B, Petrova E, Khoursine RA

Authors

Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy L. McAuliffe PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Bulgaria
Condoms
Female
HIV Infections
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Roma
Self Efficacy
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Partners
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Social Support
Unsafe Sex
Young Adult