Sexual orientation and differences in HIV cognitions

Health-related cognitions associated with approach and avoidance motivations can impact individuals' decisions to engage in positive health behaviors, such as testing for HIV. Although HIV has historically primarily impacted sexual minorities, heterosexuals are at increasing risk for the disease in the U.S. Due to this shift in the epidemic, it is important to understand the cognitions that are differentially relevant for sexual minority and heterosexual individuals. We examined differences between sexual minority individuals and heterosexuals in anticipated HIV stigma, HIV infection-control beliefs and HIV status avoidance, in a sample of 232 at-risk Washington D.C. residents. When controlling for race, gender, and HIV risk level, sexual minorities had lower HIV status avoidance, lower anticipated HIV stigma, and higher HIV infection-control beliefs. This research informs our understanding of differences in HIV-related cognitions among sexual minority and heterosexual people who are equally at-risk for HIV. Targeted interventions aimed at improving HIV-related cognitions among heterosexuals are necessary as these cognitions may influence testing behavior.