Abstract #64  -  Substance use, motivations for travel, and sexual risk behavior in men on vacation
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Prof Eric Benotsch - University of Colorado Denver
Additional Authors:  Prof David Seal, Mr. Derrick  Traylor, Mr. Salvatore Seeley, Mr. Josh Fegley, Ms. Jean Redmann, Prof. Steven Pinkerton, Prof. Laura Bogart, Mr. David Klein,
Aim: To examine predictors of substance use and sexual risk behavior in gay and bisexual men traveling for leisure. Individuals traveling on vacation may be prone to engaging in health-jeopardizing behaviors, including substance use and sexual risk behavior. Relatively few studies have examined associations between travel and risk among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group at elevated risk for HIV.
Method / Issue: Past research with traveling populations has been limited by the use of short assessment instruments and recruitment of convenience samples. In the present study we recruited MSM travelers (N=610) using Venue-Day-Time sampling techniques in three resort areas popular among MSM in the United States. Participants completed a computer-based assessment of substance use, sexual risk behavior, and the constructs of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model (Fisher & Fisher, 1992).
Results / Comments: At the time of survey completion, participants reported being in the resort area for an average of 4.1 days (SD = 6.4). A significant minority (40%) of the men reported having anal sex with at least one partner while on vacation and 17% reported having anal sex with two or more partners. Of these, 62% were new partners first met during travel. Participants indicated that 51% of sexual acts occurred when they were intoxicated. Men engaging in sexual activity after substance use reported significantly more sexual partners and were significantly more likely to engage in unprotected anal sex (ps < .05). All three IMB constructs were associated with high-risk sexual behavior (ps < .01). Of these constructs, motivations for sex during travel showed the strongest relationship to HIV risk behavior. Motivations for sexual activity during recreational travel included: 48% reported that finding a new partner is a component of a “fun” vacation and 42% specifically indicated an intention to seek a new partner while traveling.
Discussion: Results suggest some MSM engage in high-risk behaviors while traveling. Predictors of risk include several modifiable constructs, including information about HIV, motivations to engage in or avoid risk, and behavioral skills needed to avoid risk. Interventions designed to address high-risk behaviors among traveling MSM are needed.
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