2004 Gay Media Survey
In 2004, as an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a rise in the number of HIV-positive diagnoses among gay men were observed, the InVS, with scientific and financial support from the ANRS, relaunched the Gay Press Survey (EPG). For the past twenty years, the EPG has aimed to track the preventive sexual behaviors of gay men who read the gay press, as well as their lifestyles and social interactions, by distributing questionnaires through the gay press. In total, 6,184 questionnaires completed by men via both print media and community websites were analyzed. Respondents had a median age of 35, a relatively high level of education, and a privileged socio-professional status. A significant proportion of respondents have a steady partner (66%), but the proportion of those in civil unions is low (17%). A very large majority have taken an HIV test at some point in their lives (86%), and among them, 13% report being HIV-positive and 15% are no longer certain they are still HIV-negative. The increase in risky sexual behavior, observed since 1997, continues, whether with a stable partner (57% in 1997 versus 69% in 2004) or casual partners (19% in 1997 versus 33% in 2004). This increase is observed regardless of the respondents’ HIV status and specifically among those who report being HIV-positive. While few HIV-positive respondents engage in unprotected anal sex exclusively with HIV-positive partners (10%), a proportionally higher number of HIV-negative respondents report unprotected anal sex solely with other HIV-negative men (27%). Cases of psychological distress are reported. Nearly half of the respondents reported having experienced depression at some point in their lives. The use of anxiolytics or antidepressants is higher among respondents than in the general population. Similarly, the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts is higher (19%). Although the respondents’ sense of acceptance of their sexual orientation by those around them has increased over the past two decades, nearly one-third have nonetheless been victims of homophobic acts in the past year. Half of the respondents have used at least one psychoactive substance in the past 12 months. This primarily involves the use of poppers (37%) and cannabis (28%). Since 1997, most forms of substance use have increased. Respondents’ levels of psychoactive substance use are higher than those of the general population. Taken together, these results lead to recommendations for prevention initiatives, as well as research areas related to and complementary to the EPG. (R.A.)
Author(s): Velter A, Bouyssou Michel A, de Busscher PO, Jauffret Roustide M, Semaille C
Publishing year: 2007
Pages: 132 p.
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