Focus group interviews with risk-taking gay men: appraisal of AIDS prevention activities, explanations for sexual risk-taking, and needs for support.

Recently, several findings demonstrated an increase in high-risk sexual behaviour among gay men. This study conducted focus groups with gay men who engaged in risk-taking behaviour with casual partners. Three issues were addressed: appraisal of current AIDS prevention activities, explanations for sexual risk-taking, and needs for support. The results show that participants criticize current prevention efforts. The explanations for risk-taking behaviour contribute to a better understanding of the underlying processes related to sexual risk-taking. Participants' needs include unequivocal information on HIV and AIDS, more insight into the rationality behind safe sex directives, and more opportunities to discuss their difficulties regarding safe sex behaviour with peers.