Sexual Risk for HIV Transmission among Singles‐Bar Patrons in San Francisco

Abstract

Sexual risk for HIV infection was measured among heterosexual male and female and homosexual male bar patrons in San Francisco. High levels of sexual risk for HIV transmission were reported, especially in comparison to other samples of heterosexual and homosexual populations in San Francisco. Interventions must do more than communicate knowledge about the routes of HIV transmission, since these bar patrons demonstrated high levels of AIDS knowledge and concern, yet were also characterized by high levels of risky sexual behavior. The crucial question in the prevention of the continuing spread of HIV infections is not whether education should be used to modify risky behavior, but rather what kinds of education will prove effective in reducing behavioral risk for AIDS.