[Individual factors predisposing HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors: a qualitative study]

ABSTRACT

To investigate the individual factors which lead to the occurrence of high risk behaviors among HIV/AIDS patients and vulnerable people. This was a qualitative study approach carried out in 10 month in two public counseling clinic in Tehran. Data were obtained from 102 in depth and semi-structured interviews. A convenience sample of HIV/AIDS patients, clients and specialist took part in the study. Interviews were transcripted and then open coding and axial coding were performed. In all 69 HIV/AIDS patients and 19 high risk clients, 6 family members and 8 experts were interviewed. The majority of participants were male and single. Sexual high risk behaviors and drug use were the commonest ways of HIV/AIDS transition. Individual factors predisposing HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors included 1. Predisposing perceptions. 2.Personal factors. 3. Decision and will. The results indicated that the beliefs, decision and individual factors might be the most underlying contributing to high risk behaviors