Abstract
Research on the association between health insurance coverage and sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM)
is sparse. We hypothesized that MSM with health insurance would be less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior based on
previous research showing that insured persons increase contact with providers which can improve health knowledge, decrease
tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviors, and raise awareness about health risks. As part of a study testing an online HIV
prevention intervention, we collected information on health insurance and sexual behavior from MSM (n = 650). Overall, men with health insurance had a 28 % reduced prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse male partners in
the 90 days prior to the survey. Potential explanations include access to health care providers and awareness of sexual health.
Additional research is needed to identify the mechanism through which health insurance is protective.
is sparse. We hypothesized that MSM with health insurance would be less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior based on
previous research showing that insured persons increase contact with providers which can improve health knowledge, decrease
tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviors, and raise awareness about health risks. As part of a study testing an online HIV
prevention intervention, we collected information on health insurance and sexual behavior from MSM (n = 650). Overall, men with health insurance had a 28 % reduced prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse male partners in
the 90 days prior to the survey. Potential explanations include access to health care providers and awareness of sexual health.
Additional research is needed to identify the mechanism through which health insurance is protective.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s13178-012-0085-2
- Authors
- Sarah A. Brunsberg, Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- B. R. Simon Rosser, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Derek Smolenski, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Online ISSN 1553-6610
- Print ISSN 1868-9884