The Effect of Relationship Characteristics on HIV Risk Behaviors and Prevention Strategies in Young Gay and Bisexual Men

We examined whether relationship status, relationship ideation, and sexual agreements affected HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention strategies and high-risk behaviors in young men who have sex with men (MSM). Using an online survey, we found that partnered MSM more commonly used condoms with casual partners and knew the reported HIV status of all their partners, compared to single MSM (p < .05). Men scoring high in relationship exclusivity reported higher condom use with casual partners compared to men scoring lower (p < .05). Of partnered MSM, 58% reported a sexual agreement. MSM reporting restricted sexual agreements more commonly used condoms during oral and anal intercourse with their main partners and casual partners compared to MSM reporting unrestricted sexual agreements. The data suggest that relationship status should be considered by health care providers when counseling MSM and that behavioral interventions should target sexual agreements as a mechanism to reduce HIV/STD transmission.