Sensation Seeking and HIV Serodiscordant Couples

Studies have shown that a modest percentage of HIV serodiscordant couples continue to practice unprotected sex. This study examined sensation seeking and unprotected sex practices among this group. Objectives of the study were to describe unprotected sex practices among HIV serodiscordant couples and assess sensation seeking and unprotected sex with other psychosocial covariates. The method used was a survey of HIV-negative individuals in serodiscordant relationships. Results of the study were that approximately 50% of individuals did not use condoms for penetrative sex within the 3 months of being surveyed. The odds ratio between sensation seeking and unprotected sex was 3.51 to 5.09, depending on the sensation seeking subscale. Negative beliefs regarding condom use were also related (odds ratio, 1.28). Variables such as extroversion, sex under the influence of drugs/alcohol, beliefs in susceptibility to HIV infection, and the ability to perform safer-sex practices were not related to unprotected sex. The conclusions were that sensation seeking may help explain the failure of risk-reduction methods in this subgroup and may suggest new approaches to address this problem.