ABSTRACT
The continuing high levels of HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a top public health concern in the United States and other countries. The risk posed by HIV in particular has intensified the consequential nature of sexual behavior and the need to manage uncertainties involved in sexual decision making. When engaging in sexual behavior, individuals may bring about potential outcomes ranging from pleasure and intimacy to infection. Some outcomes will be more or less probable depending on the behaviors in which an individual engages, the precautions the individual takes, and the people with whom sexual activities are carried out. With respect to the latter, the uncertainty around the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STIs has made the desire to know the sexual histories of current and prospective sexual partners more salient than ever before.
