EXPLORING SELF-EFFICACY AND PERCEIVED HIV RISK AMONG SOCIOECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED HISPANIC MEN.

Abstract

The prevalence of HIV in Chile predominately affects the male population with the primary mode of transmission (99%) through sexual contact. In order to engage in safe sexual practices, men must have high sexual self-efficacy and perceived risk of infection, however, little research examines these variables with respect to HIV prevention. The purpose of this article is to review existing literature on self-efficacy and its connection with perceived HIV risk among Hispanic men, in order to direct future HIV prevention interventions among Chilean men. A literature search was conducted to identify studies for this review using three databases. A combination of keywords was used to conduct the search and a total of 34 articles were analyzed. All of the articles reviewed examined the Hispanic male population with respect to either self-efficacy or perceived risk, or a combination of the two. Major themes emerging from the review include: substance use, condom use, cultural norms, relationship communication, negotiation, and homonegativity. The existing studies provide evidence for preventing future HIV infection among low socioeconomic status Chilean males and begin to establish a positive relationship between self-efficacy and perceived HIV risk. While additional studies are needed to provide further support, self-efficacy and perceived risk should be integral aspects of future prevention interventions.