Gym exercising patterns, lifestyle and high-risk sexual behaviour in men who have sex with men and in heterosexual men

Objective Lifestyle may be associated with risk behaviours. This study compares gym exercise and sexual risk behaviour between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexual men. The research was based on the assumption that men who become muscular and physically attractive increase their number o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ open 2014-11, Vol.4 (11), p.e005205-e005205
Main Authors: Mor, Z, Parfionov, K, Davidovitch, N, Grotto, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Behavior
Cross-Sectional Studies
Disease transmission
Exercise
Health risk assessment
Heterosexuality
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Industrialized nations
Israel
Life Style
Male
Medical personnel
Mens health
Middle Aged
Physical fitness
Questionnaires
Risk-Taking
Self image
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Health
Studies
Women
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective Lifestyle may be associated with risk behaviours. This study compares gym exercise and sexual risk behaviour between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexual men. The research was based on the assumption that men who become muscular and physically attractive increase their number of sex partners and consequently their risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Setting Five gyms in central Tel Aviv, Israel. Participants In 2012, a sample of 182 (48%) MSM and 197 (52%) heterosexual men who train in gyms completed anonymous questionnaires regarding their training, health and sexual behaviours. Outcomes Participants in this cross-sectional study who exercised more than the median number of anaerobic training hours were defined as performing intensive anaerobic training (IAT), and those who had performed more than one act of unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse in the preceding 6 months with a partner whose HIV status was unknown were defined as high risk. Results MSM showed a stronger desire to become muscular than heterosexual men, were more likely to perform IAT, and used protein powders or anabolic steroids. They reported that improving their body shape and increasing their self-confidence were their main reasons for training, whereas heterosexual men indicated weight loss and health improvement as the main reasons for training. MSM engaged in riskier sexual behaviour than heterosexual men. Of all the high-risk men, 61.9% (N=70) performed IAT, while 38.1% (N=43) performed moderate anaerobic training (p
ISSN:2044-6055
2044-6055
DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005205