Sex in silence: the national survey of young gay males.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Sex in silence: the national survey of young gay males.

Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):54 (abstract no. 169D). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370814
Goggin M; Sotiropoulos J; LaTrobe University, Victoria, Australia.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This is the world's first study to evaluate a national, mainstream media campaign targeting young gay males. The study describes the variability in age, sexuality, ethnicity & sexual experience among young Australian males who responded, particularly young gays. METHOD: Promoting HIV prevention peer support groups, advertisements appeared in popular youth magazines. From all rural & metropolitan areas in Australia, 1306 young people returned the advertisement coupons requesting information. In addition to information, questionnaires were sent asking about sexual identity, sexual activity & openness about their sexuality. RESULTS: 478 young males (37% of total coupon responses), aged 11 to 26 (mean = 19.0), returned questionnaires, 45% from rural areas. 80% identified as gay, 12% as bisexual, and 8% as straight. 43% of those aged 15 or younger had had sex with another male, increasing with age to 73% by age 20. 31% of males had also had sex with women. A manova analysis showed that those sexually experienced with both sexes were more likely to identify as gay and talk about their feelings to others than those sexually experienced with only men or women or with no experience. Both rural and non English speaking background males were less sexually experienced and less likely to have told others of gay feelings. 73% had not told a family member about gay feelings. 48% had told no one. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Mainstream media is highly effective in targeting young gay men at risk of HIV infection. The majority of respondents were male adolescents identifying as gay, sexually active, but remaining silent about their sexuality and isolated from support. Direct mail is highly effective in sending AIDS and sexuality information to gay adolescents in rural, isolated or culturally difficult environments who would otherwise not access support.

Keywords: Adolescence Adult Australia Bisexuality Data Collection Female Health Education *Homosexuality Human HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Male Mass Media Questionnaires Risk-Taking Rural Population Sex Behavior Sex Education ABSTRACT
941230
M94C2571

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1994. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .