Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:Studies have shown that alcohol consumption may contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS by diminishing sexual inhibitions and interfering with one’s ability to adequately assess risk (Gordon et al. 1997; MacDonald et al. 2000a, b; Maisto et al. 2004).
Category: