A typology of perceived HIV/AIDS risk‐reduction strategies used by men who “cruise” other men for anonymous sex

A minority of men who have sex with other men continue to engage in unsafe sex practices. Evidence suggests that some may do so because they falsely believe themselves capable of selecting HIV‐negative (i.e., “safe”) sex partners while “cruising,” or while searching for anonymous sex. I explored this idea further by looking at reported strategies, or “partner‐screening procedures,” perceived as effective for identifying “safe” partners. Thirty‐five men who sought other men sexually by cruising were interviewed in depth, and a typology of seven partner‐screening procedures was constructed from their accounts of how they identified high‐risk or low‐risk partners. Operational definitions of each procedure were formulated, examples of how each procedure was used are given, and frequencies of those who used or advocated using them are reported. Virtually all participants strongly preferred HIV‐negative sex partners, and 77% believed that casual sex partners can be screened to some extent by gathering information about them. Although most used or advocated using partner‐screening procedures as an additional means of HIV avoidance, some respondents reported using them as the only means of protection when they believed that they had successfully identified an HIV‐negative partner. It is suggested that partner‐screening procedures, and the beliefs behind them, are unanticipated products of contradictory AIDS‐prevention messages. Further research is recommended to learn the extent to which the procedures are used, which social and psychological factors may be associated with those who use them, and how their use varies among setting and circumstance. I also recommend that research be extended to men and women seeking other‐gender partners.