Condom Use is Low Among U.S. Heterosexuals at Risk of HIV Infection; 15% of Population Has at Least One Risk Factor

Abstract

2673 individuals randomly sampled nationwide and 8263 individuals randomly sampled in urban populations considered to be at high risk for HIV infection responded to National AIDS Behavioral Surveys measuring risk factors for HIV infection among heterosexuals from the general population over the period June 1990 - February 1991. High-risk cities were those with large numbers of AIDS cases and large Hispanic or African-American populations. These latter 2 ethnic groups were oversampled as were individuals aged 50-75. Individuals reporting 2 or more sex partners in the previous 12 months were broadly categorized as being at risk for HIV infection. Under the authors most conservative definitions for quantitatively estimating respondent risk individuals were at risk if they has 1 or more of the following factors: 2 or more sex partners over the previous year a risky sex partner being a transfusion recipient a hemophiliac of IV drug user over the previous 5 years. At least 15% of respondents reported a risk factor for HIV infection under these condition while 20% did so of those sampled in high-risk cities. Only 17% of those with multiple partners and 13% of those with risky sex partners used condoms all the time. Those educated beyond high school unmarried or non-cohabiting men African-American and Whites and older age groups were most likely to report having multiple partners. Those with income under $10000 were 90% more likely to have risky primary sex partners than respondents with income over $40000 and women were 50% more likely than men to have a risky primary partner. 38% of respondents with multiple partners and from high risk cities reported never using a condom; 70% of those with risky partners reported never using condoms; and 71% of those in high-risk cities with a risk factor reporting anal intercourse over the previous 6 months reported never using condoms. Among high-risk city respondents however those generally more likely to report having multiple partners such as individuals educated beyond high school unmarried and non-cohabiting male and youths in their 20s were more likely to report using condoms. Those categorized at risk for HIV infection may therefore not necessarily be at high risk for exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Nonetheless survey results suggest that HIV prevention messages have not reached certain population groups at potential risk of infection.