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- Title
High levels of sexual HIV/STD risk behaviour among Roma (Gypsy) men in Bulgaria: patterns and predictors of risk in a representative community sample.
- Authors
Kabakchieva, Elena; Amirkhanian, Yuri A.; Kelly, Jeffrey A.; McAuliffe, Timothy L.; Vassileva, Sylvia
- Abstract
Studies on HIV and STD risk factors among vulnerable minority groups in Eastern Europe are underrepresented in the literature. The rapid increase in HIV and STD rates observed throughout the region may quickly affect impoverished, stigmatized, and underprivileged communities. Roma (or Gypsies) constitute such a vulnerable group. A total of 324 men aged 14-37 years were recruited during June-July 2001 in a Roma community neighbourhood in Sofia, Bulgaria. HIV/STD risk behaviours were widespread. Men reported a mean of 2.4 female partners in the past 3 months and 77% did not use a condom during their most recent vaginal intercourse. 72% of Roma men said they had engaged in anal intercourse with women in the past 3 months and almost 75% of these heterosexual anal intercourse occurrences were unprotected. 27% reported having sex with other men during their lifetimes, 10% had same-sex anal intercourse partners in the past 3 months, and 58% of the most recent anal intercourse acts by these men were not condom-protected. 16% of men reported selling sex, and 32% paid someone for sex. Positive condom-use attitudes, intentions, norms and self-efficacy, as well as younger age and condom availability, were factors associated with lower sexual risk. These factors should be targeted in rapid, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive prevention interventions for Roma communities.
- Subjects
SOFIA (Bulgaria); BULGARIA; HIV infection risk factors; SEXUALLY transmitted disease risk factors; HEALTH of minorities; ROMANIES; SEXUAL intercourse; HIV prevention; HIV infection transmission; PREVENTION of sexually transmitted diseases; SEXUALLY transmitted diseases; COMPARATIVE studies; CONDOMS; HEALTH attitudes; RESEARCH methodology; MEDICAL cooperation; PSYCHOLOGY; RESEARCH; RESEARCH funding; RISK-taking behavior; HUMAN sexuality; EVALUATION research; INFECTIOUS disease transmission
- Publication
International Journal of STD & AIDS, 2002, Vol 13, Issue 3, p184
- ISSN
0956-4624
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1258/0956462021924893