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from Medical Issues
Researchers Examine Sensation Seeking
And HIV Risk Behaviors Among South Africans
November 28, 2006 -
"Sensation Seeking, Alcohol Use, And Sexual Behaviors Among Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Patients In Cape Town, South Africa," (Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2006, Vol 20, No. 3, 298-304) examines the association between alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among gay males.
The authors note that their research extends previous studies of sensation seeking and alcohol use by testing sensation seeking and HIV risks in South Africa. Southern Africa, which includes South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania account for 60% of the 41 million people with AIDS in the world.
The researchers conducted confidential surveys of 292 men and 219 women who were clients at a clinic in Cape Town. They were asked about their alcohol and drug use, sensation seeking behaviors, alcohol-sex outcome expectancies and HIV risk-related behaviors.
Researchers found that 78% of men and 30% of women reported current alcohol use. In addition, 56% of men and 25% of women were using alcohol in sexual contexts in the past three months. According to the authors: "This study is among the first to demonstrate that sensation seeking is related to substance use and HIV transmission in an African country."
They suggest that HIV prevention measures include presenting risk-reduction solutions in settings where alcohol is served and sexual relationships are formed. "Within this context, interventions can deliver targeted prevention messages and condom distribution to men and women involved in using alcohol to barter sex. Another intervention modality is to embed brief alcohol counseling within HIV counseling and testing programs and STI treatment services."
Additional Reading: Medical Issues.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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