Objectives: To describe "self-handicapping," and its application to understanding the relationship between alcohol and unprotected intercourse (UI).
Methods: 122 individuals were recruited via posters (in bars and on street posts) and word-of-mouth for an 8-week diary study. Participants were aged 19-35, unmarried, non-monogamous, and drank alcohol and had sex weekly. The premise of "self-handicapping" suggests that alcohol can be exploited (by rationalization/excuse-making) to avoid negative implications associated with UI. A face-to-face interview and daily quantitative diaries were completed on all date, drinking, and sexual events. Within-subject, event-based data were analyzed using multivariate GEE.
Results: 1173 sexual and 2789 drinking events were reported. This analysis examines 236 (20.1%) sexual events occurring with first-time sexual partners. UI occurred in 24.6% of events, and alcohol was consumed in 66.1%. Individuals scoring high on "self-handicapping" believe that they have less responsibility for actions when drinking, peers support condom-use, and others will disapprove if they have UI. The mean score was 26.6 (SD=3.2, range 4-52). "Self- handicapping" modifies the association between alcohol use and UI. When controlling for "self- handicapping," sexual contact was significantly more likely to be safer. Odds of UI were .25 when drinking but feeling no effects; .52 when feeling the effects and .35 when drunk (p 0.05). Prior to entry of self-handicapping into the model only consumption with no effects was significantly associated with decreased UI.
Conclusions: Health promotion messages suggesting that people aren't rational when inebriated may lead people to avoid taking responsibility for their behaviour, and keep them from practising safer sex.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to : 1) Assess the implications of the current disinhibition messages around alcohol consumption and unsafe sex in regards to providing justification for unsafe sexual practices. 2) Discuss potential changes to current HIV prevention messages
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.