Decreased Condom Use Research Articles

The Influence of Health-Related Behavior Profiles on College Students' Perceptions of COVID-19 Safety Measures.

College students often engage in multiple health-related behaviors simultaneously which can lead to negative outcomes and further risky behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students reported decreased condom use, increased solitary cannabis use, and increased alcohol consumption. This current study aimed to (1) identify profiles of health-related behaviors (i.e., alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and sexual behaviors), and (2) determine if these profiles would differ in engagement and perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 preventative measures. Participants were 273 college students from a large Northeastern U.S. public university who completed surveys about health-related behaviors during the 2021 academic year. We used a latent profile analysis to identify distinct subgroups of college students based on their engagement in health-related behaviors. Based on fit indices a three-profile solution showed the best fit: low (N = 196), moderate (N = 54), and high (N = 23). Two one-way ANOVAs examined whether profile membership predicted engagement and perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 safety measures. Participants in the low health-related behaviors profile engaged in preventative measures more than students in the other two profiles. However, profile membership did not predict perceived effectiveness of preventative behaviors. Taken together, our results indicate that college students reporting lower levels of health-related behaviors engage in more preventative measures during a pandemic. Understanding distinct health-related behaviors profiles among college students, and their links with COVID-preventative health-related behaviors, can inform prevention strategies.

A pilot program of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Thai youth.

There are gaps in knowledge and experience of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in adolescents. This pilot study enrolled Thai adolescents 14-20 year-old without HIV who reported risk behaviour. All participants were offered daily tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) and followed for 24 weeks. HIV testing, renal function, bone density scan, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing including syphilis serology and urine molecular testing for gonorrhoea and C. trachomatis were performed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. Adherence was evaluated through intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels in dried blood spots. Of the 61 enrolled adolescents, median age 18.1 (IQR: 14.8-20.9) years, 46 (75.4%) were males and 36 (59%) were MSM. Retention to week 24 was 80.3%. One third (36%) had TFV-DP levels consistent with taking ≥6 pills/week at week 12 and 29% at week 24. The factors associated with taking ≥6 pills/week were being MSM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 53.2, 95% CI: 1.6-1811; p = 0.027), presence of STI at baseline (aOR: 9.4, 95% CI: 1.5-58.5; p = 0.016), and self-report of decreased condom use while taking PrEP (aOR: 8.7, 95% CI: 1.4-56.6; p = 0.023). 31% had an STI at baseline and this declined to 18% at week 24. No renal or bone toxicity was observed and there were no HIV seroconversions. Daily oral PrEP with FTC-TDF in high-risk Thai adolescents is feasible, accepted, well-tolerated, and had no increased risk compensation; however, low adherence was a major challenge. Adolescent-specific PrEP strategies including long-acting modalities are needed for successful HIV prevention.

Low incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C in two cohorts of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence interventions in men who have sex with men in Southern California.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been associated with incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) due to decreased condom use. We examined rates of HCV among MSM and transgender women at high-risk of HIV on PrEP in Southern California using data from two trials (NCT01761643 and NCT01781806). Five of 599 participants (0.84%, 95% CI, 0.27-1.93) had HCV antibodies detected at entry. Factors associated with HCV seropositivity included being older (p=.002) and lower education level (p<.001). HCV-positive participants had no reported cases of sexually transmitted infection (rectal, urethral or pharyngeal gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia) at entry while HCV-negative participants had a prevalence of 18% (95% CI, 15%-21%). There were no significant differences in substance use and sexual risk behaviour between HCV-positive and HCV-negative participants 1-3months prior to entry. Among early PrEP adopters, incident HCV did not occur despite ongoing condomless intercourse. Screening intervals for HCV in MSM on PrEP should be led by a risk behaviour assessment.

134Trends and projections of Treatment as Prevention strategy in Africa and progress towards UNAIDS targets

Abstract Background Africa is lagging behind in progress toward global HIV/AIDS elimination targets. We estimated trends in and projections of annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex; and calculated the probability of reaching key UNAIDS’s target. Methods We included 114 nationally-representative datasets in 38 African countries from DHS and MICS with 1456224 sexually active adults age 15-49 from 2003 to 2018. We applied Bayesian mixed effect models to estimate the coverage of annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex for every country and year to 2030; and the probability of reaching UNAIDS testing and condom use targets of 95% coverage by 2030. Results Seven countries saw downward trends in annual HIV testing and four saw decreases in condom use at higher-risk sex, while most countries have upward trends in both indicators. The highest coverages of testing in 2030 are predicted in Swaziland, Uganda and Lesotho. Meanwhile, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Namibia will have the highest proportion of condom use in 2030. The probabilities of reaching targets were very low for both HIV testing (0%-28.5%) and condom use (0%-12.1%). Conclusions We observed limited progress on annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex in Africa, and little prospect of reaching global targets for HIV/AIDS elimination. Key messages Although some global sponsor agencies are considering withdrawal from supporting Africa, more considerable attention to funding and expanding testing and treatment are needed if HIV/AIDS elimination in Africa is to become more than a distant dream.

Quality of Sex Life and Perceived Sexual Pleasure of PrEP Users in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Next to its benefits for HIV prevention, PrEP may have psychosocial benefits relating to improved quality of sex life. The aim of the current study was to investigate the onset of changes in the quality of sex life and sexual pleasure of PrEP users in the first months of commencing PrEP use. Moreover, we investigated what factors were related to the quality of sex life of PrEP users. We recruited 145 participants via the Dutch PrEP-advocacy website PrEPnu.nl, and they received follow-up questionnaires after three and six months. We found that PrEP users reported an increase in the quality of their sex life, which was related to reduced fear of HIV since they started using PrEP but not to decreased condom use. PrEP users were more interested in experimenting with sex practices, but they did not always feel more desirable as a sex partner because of PrEP use. Health-care providers and health promotion campaigns could emphasize the positive effects of PrEP on the quality of sex life, in addition to the HIV-preventive effects of PrEP, to decrease PrEP stigma and increase PrEP uptake.

PrEP Willingness and Adherence Self-Efficacy Among Men Who have Sex with Men with Recent Condomless Anal Sex in Urban China.

This study investigates PrEP willingness, adherence self-efficacy and potential impact of PrEP among HIV-negative, Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM; n = 622) with recent condomless anal sex. Facilitative factors of PrEP willingness included migrant status, sexual risk, and prior PrEP use, whereas barriers included concerns over being treated as an HIV/AIDS patient, recent HIV testing, identity concealment, and HIV prevention service usage. Adherence self-efficacy was associated with PrEP knowledge and confidence in PrEP efficacy of HIV prevention. A total of 39.3% anticipated increase in sex partners, 25.6% anticipated decrease in condom use, and 38.0% anticipated increased HIV testing following PrEP uptake. Results suggest a two-step approach to (1) promote PrEP acceptance among Chinese MSM and (2) enhance adherence and risk monitoring among PrEP-willing MSM. Efforts to reduce stigma, incorporate PrEP in the HIV prevention continuum, and increase PrEP knowledge will be crucial to optimize PrEP implementation.

7. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Identify Predictors of Contraceptive Use Intentions and Behaviors in Adolescents

<h3>Background</h3> Adolescent unintended pregnancy has dropped in the United States, while sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence in this population has increased. We utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to identify predictors of STI and pregnancy prevention intentions and behaviors in adolescents. <h3>Methods</h3> Baseline data were obtained from 2GETHER—The Dual Protection Project, a randomized clinical trial aiming to decrease STIs/pregnancy in African American adolescents. Participants were eligible if they engaged in vaginal sex in the past 3 months and finished the baseline survey (n=697). This secondary analysis examines the relationships between TPB constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC)) and contraceptive intentions and behaviors in three ways. First, we examined the relationship between TPB constructs related to pregnancy with intentions to use and use of contraception. Next, we examined TPB constructs related to STI prevention with intentions to use and use of condoms. Finally, we created composite TPB construct variables for dual protection (simultaneous prevention of pregnancy and STI) and examined the relationship between intention and contraceptive and condom use (dual method, condom alone, non-barrier contraception alone, no method). Chi square analysis and multinomial logistical regression were used to examine relationships. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from both Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <h3>Results</h3> The average age of participants was 17.35 years (range=14-19, SD=1.265). 50.2% of adolescents reported a STI diagnosis would be worse than pregnancy; 36.0% rated them equally bad. For pregnancy constructs, anti-pregnancy attitudes (p<.001) and subjective norms (p=.031) were associated with increased intentions to use contraception. Higher PBC (p<.001), intentions to use contraception (p<.001), and anti-pregnancy attitudes (p=.010) were associated with contraceptive use. For STI constructs, subjective norms were associated with intentions to use condoms (p=.014). Lower PBC was predictive of decreased condom use (p<.001). In multinomial regression analysis, participants with negative attitudes were 3.9 times more likely to intend to use dual methods compared to no protection (OR=3.900, CI=(1.477, 10.299)). Participants with higher PBC were more likely to have used dual methods (OR=1.997, CI=(1.146, 3.482)) and condoms only (OR=3.668, CI=(2.251, 5.975)) compared to no method. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Participants viewed STIs more negatively than pregnancy. However, attitudes, PBC and subjective norms for pregnancy prevention were more predictive of intentions and use of contraception than they were to predict intentions and use of condoms.

Progress toward HIV elimination goals: trends in and projections of annual HIV testing and condom use in Africa.

To estimate trends in and projections of annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex and to calculate the probability of reaching key United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)'s target. We included 114 nationally-representative datasets in 38 African countries from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys with 1 456 224 sexually active adults age 15-49 from 2003 to 2018. We applied Bayesian mixed effect models to estimate the coverage of annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex for every country and year to 2030 and the probability of reaching UNAIDS testing and condom use targets of 95% coverage by 2030. Seven countries saw downward trends in annual HIV testing and four saw decreases in condom use at higher-risk sex, whereas most countries have upward trends in both indicators. The highest coverage of testing in 2030 is predicted in Swaziland with 92.6% (95% credible interval: 74.5-98.1%), Uganda with 90.5% (72.2-97.2%), and Lesotho with 90.5% (69.4%-97.6%). Meanwhile, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Namibia will have the highest proportion of condom use in 2030 at 85.0% (57.8-96.1%), 75.6% (42.3-93.6%), and 75.5% (42.4-93.2%). The probabilities of reaching targets were very low for both HIV testing (0-28.5%) and condom use (0-12.1%). We observed limited progress on annual HIV testing and condom use at last higher-risk sex in Africa and little prospect of reaching global targets for HIV/AIDS elimination. Although some funding agencies are considering withdrawal from supporting Africa, more attention to funding and expanding testing and treatment is needed in this region.

Trends in adolescent alcohol and other risky health- and school-related behaviours and outcomes in Australia.

Adolescent drinking has been declining in Australia over the past two decades, but this trend may be part of a broader shift towards healthier lifestyles for adolescents. We examined trends in the prevalence of multiple risky health- and school-related behaviours and outcomes to test whether this was the case. Data on multiple behaviours and outcomes were collated from Australian government agencies and other relevant sources for 10-19-year-olds from the year 2000 onward. Trends were examined descriptively. Rates of substance use, youth offending and injuries due to underage driving declined over the study period. Some health-related behaviours (physical activity and diet) worsened between 2001 and 2017; however, obesity rates remained stable. Risky sexual behaviours increased in terms of early initiation of lifetime sexual intercourse and decreased condom use. However, sexual health outcomes improved with a reduction in teenage pregnancies and there was a recent decline in sexually transmitted infection rates from 2011 onward. Suicide rates and rates of major depressive disorders increased. School attendance and engagement in full-time work or study remained stable. The decline in adolescent drinking does not appear to correspond with increased engagement in healthier behaviours; however, it may be related to a more risk-averse way of living. Future work could be directed towards identifying which social, economic, policy and environmental factors have impacted positive changes in risky behaviours. Public health efforts can then be directed towards behaviours or outcomes, which have not yet improved.

Assessment for sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men attending a nurse-run HIV preexposure prophylaxis clinic.

Male-to-male sexual contact remains the primary mode of transmission for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Reported STI rates in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are higher than expected, possibly due to decreased condom use while on PrEP or more frequent STI screening with routine PrEP care. Hamilton County, located in southwestern Ohio, consistently has the highest rates of gonorrhea and syphilis and second highest rate of chlamydia in the state. The purpose of this project was to incorporate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended comprehensive STI evaluations for MSM attending a nurse-run PrEP clinic in southwestern Ohio. Seventy-five MSM seen for PrEP between January 1, 2017, and May 15, 2019, were included in the STI testing program. Of these, 59 were included in outcome evaluation. Sexually transmitted infection testing was performed every three months, including HIV and syphilis, with chlamydia/gonorrhea testing performed at all potentially exposed sites. During the evaluation period, 43 STIs occurred in 18 patients (30.5%). Affected sites for gonorrhea included 10 oropharynx, eight anorectal, and two genitourinary; for chlamydia, it included one oropharynx, 12 anorectal, and one genitourinary. All extragenital infections were asymptomatic. Sexually transmitted infection results in this population are consistent with those reported in other PrEP centers and reinforce importance of three-point chlamydia/gonorrhea testing as part of comprehensive STI evaluation. Implementing CDC screening recommendations in PrEP programs has been effective in identifying and treating STIs. Incorporating sexual history and comprehensive testing may help providers in other settings identify patients who need more frequent HIV/STI screening and prevention services.

Increases in HIV status disclosure and sexual communication between South African men who have sex with men and their partners following use of HIV self-testing kits

ABSTRACT Availability of HIV self-testing may increase HIV testing frequency among men who have sex with men (MSM). It is unclear, however, if self-testing may impact HIV-related sexual behaviors among MSM, including HIV status disclosure and condom use. We conducted a mixed methods analysis of changes in HIV-related behaviors after HIV self-testing introduction, using data from 110 MSM participating in a feasibility and acceptability study of HIV self-testing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. We found increased HIV status disclosure from study participants to sexual partners after HIV self-testing introduction, from 61.8% at baseline to 75.5% at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.04), but decreased condom use with female partners (p = 0.03). Qualitative interviews reveal that some participants used test results to inform condom use. Distribution of self-testing kits can improve mutual disclosure, but should be accompanied by information stressing that the tests may not detect early HIV infections or other sexually transmitted infections.

The Association Between Nonbarrier Contraceptive Use and Condom Use Among Sexually Active Latina Adolescents

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the association between use of highly effective methods of nonbarrier contraception and condom use in a sample of Latina adolescents and whether the change to a more effective method of nonbarrier contraception is associated with a change in condom use. MethodsAs part of a larger study, 442 sexually active Latina adolescents aged 14–18 years were surveyed immediately before an appointment with a medical care provider at a school-based health center and 3 months later. Ordinal logistic and linear regression were used in the analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data to assess the relationship between patterns of nonbarrier contraception and condom use. ResultsThe use of all types of nonbarrier methods of contraception was significantly associated with decreased condom use. Change over time from a less effective to a more effective nonbarrier method of contraception was also associated with a decrease in condom use. Greater number of sexual encounters was associated with lower the frequency of condom use. ConclusionsThe use of highly effective methods of nonbarrier contraception was associated with reduced frequency of condom use. This highlights the need to promote condom use concurrently with nonbarrier methods of contraception to improve protection against both pregnancy and STIs.

Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: facilitators, barriers and impact on sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Benin

BackgroundIn Benin, men who have sex with men (MSM) do not always use condoms during anal sex. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using Truvada® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate / emtricitabine) may be a complementary HIV prevention measure for MSM. This study aimed at identifying the potential facilitators and barriers to the use of PrEP.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 among male-born MSM aged 18 years or older who reported being HIV-negative or unaware of their HIV status. The participants were recruited by the RDS technique (respondent driven sampling) in six cities of Benin. Logistic regression analyses, adapted to RDS statistical requirements, were performed to identify the factors associated with PrEP acceptability.ResultsMean age of the 400 MSM recruited was 26.2 ± 5.0 years. PrEP was known by 50.7% of respondents. The intention to use PrEP was expressed by 90% of MSM. If PrEP effectiveness were 90% or more, 87.8% of the respondents thought they would decrease condom use. In multivariate analysis, the facilitators associated with PrEP acceptability were: not having to pay for PrEP (odds ratio (OR) = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.50–4.46) and its accessibility within MSM networks (OR = 9.82, 95% CI: 3.50–27.52). Only one barrier was significant: the concern that taking PrEP be perceived as marker of adopting HIV risky behaviors (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04–0.30).ConclusionIn Benin, not all MSM know about PrEP. But once well informed, the majority seems willing to use it if made available. The free availability of the drug and its accessibility in the MSM networks are important facilitators. The possibility of decrease in condom use should not be a barrier to the prescription of PrEP if made available.

Diverging trends in incidence of HIV versus other sexually transmitted infections in HIV-negative MSM in Amsterdam.

We investigated changes in incidence rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and trends in sexual behavior in MSM from 2009 to 2017. Open prospective cohort study. HIV-negative MSM enrolled in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies were included. Participants semiannually completed a questionnaire on sexual behavior and were tested for HIV-1, syphilis, and urethral, anal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea. Time trends in incidence rates were analyzed using exponential survival models. During follow-up, 42 of 905 MSM acquired HIV. The HIV incidence rate was 1.9/100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.7] in 2009 and decreased to 0.5/100 person-years (95% CI 0.2-1.4) in 2017 (P = 0.03). The largest decrease was observed in participants aged at least 35 years (P = 0.005), while the trend remained stable in 18-34 year olds (P = 0.4). The incidence rate for any bacterial STI was 16.8/100 person-years (95% CI 13.4-21.0) in 2010, and increased to 33.1/100 person-years (95% CI 29.0-37.9) in 2017 (P < 0.001). Between 2009 and 2017, the percentage reporting condomless anal sex with casual partners increased from 26.9 to 39.4% (P < 0.001), and the mean number of casual partners from eight (95% CI 8-8) to 11 (95% CI 10-11) (P = 0.05). Condomless anal sex with steady partner(s) remained stable over time (P = 0.5). Among MSM in Amsterdam, incidence rates of HIV versus other STI show diverging trends. The increase in STI incidence coincides with a decrease in condom use with casual partners. The decrease in HIV incidence, despite increased sexual risk behavior, suggests that other HIV prevention methods have been successful in reducing HIV transmission among MSM.

Impact of COVID-19 on Female Sex Workers in Africa: Evidence from a Cohort Study in Senegal

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to be the most severe and long-lasting economic shock experienced by female sex workers (FSWs) globally due to the high and close contact nature of the profession. Given that there is a positive income premium attached to unprotected sex, FSWs may resort to adopting risky sexual behaviours as a means to cope with the decreased earnings resulting from COVID-19. Methods: We used data from a cohort study of around 600 Senegalese FSWs in Dakar, Senegal. During the COVID-19 pandemic in June-July 2020, we elicited respondents’ perceptions of how COVID-19 has affected them. We also compared FSWs’ income and sexual behaviours in 2020 with that of previous survey waves in 2015 and 2017. For continuous variables, the mean, median, interquartile range (IQR), 10th and 90th percentiles were reported. A t-test was also carried out to test the differences between the means in 2017 and 2020. For categorical variables, bar charts were shown. Condom use was elicited via the list experiment method to overcome social desirability bias. Heterogeneity analyses were carried out to identify the channels through which COVID-19 affected condom use. Findings: COVID-19 led to a 70·0% reduction in the number of clients seen in a week from 2017 levels. The steep fall in the number of clients led to a reduction in sex work earnings by 50·3%. Estimated condom use prevalence with the last client was similar in 2015 and 2017, but decreased by 13·1%-pts during the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0·014), corresponding to a drop of 16·8% compared to 2017. Condom use decline was concentrated amongst asset-poor FSWs (22·7%-pts drop (p=0·004); 27·0% reduction in condom use from 2017 levels). However, self-reported STI symptoms did not increase. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of FSWs reported that they have reduced visits to health facilities because of COVID-19, but there was no evidence that this was associated with decreased condom use. Mental health of FSWs has deteriorated, while experience of violence from clients or the police has remained largely unchanged.Interpretation: Condom use has likely to have fallen to alleviate the economic shock brought about by COVID-19. While the plunge in the number of clients may have offset the transmission of HIV and other STIs for now, it remains to be seen whether condom use would resume once business improves, especially if the crisis were to be prolonged. Given the potential public health issue this may create, policies targeting FSWs to dampen the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis should urgently be considered as a strategy to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs.Funding: MRC Public Health Intervention Development Scheme (MR/T00262X/1)Declaration of Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: This study has been ethically approved by the UCL Research Ethics Committee (REC). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Senegal.

Depressive symptoms as a longitudinal predictor of sexual risk behaviors among African-American adolescents.

Understanding individual level factors associated with sexual risk behaviors among African-American adolescents remains an important public health priority. The current secondary data analysis examined the longitudinal association between a baseline assessment of depressive symptoms and sexual risk behaviors reported 6 months later; the purpose was to determine whether the association of depressive symptoms to risky sex varies as a function of gender. A secondary aim was to examine self-efficacy for sex refusal and condom use assessed at a 3-month follow-up as mediators of the depressive symptoms-sexual risk relationship. The sample consisted of 782 sexually active African-American adolescents (Mage = 15.3 years, SD = 1.08; 54% female) recruited to participate in a sexual health intervention trial. Data analyses focused on vaginal sex, and outcomes included: (a) sexual activity with 2 or more partners in the previous 3 months; (b) the relative frequency of condom use in the previous 3 months; (c) noncondom use at last occasion of sex; and (d) positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. Depressive symptoms predicted sex with 2 more partners for female participants, but no other risk markers for the sample as a whole. However, there was a significant indirect effect of depressive symptoms on condomless sex via decreased condom use self-efficacy for both male and female adolescents. These findings have important implications for HIV/STI prevention, in which behavioral interventions may benefit from modules that include a focus on the influence of mood on self-efficacy for safer sex practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Adolescents' Contraceptive Use with School-Discordant Partners: Exploring Individual- and Relationship-Level Characteristics.

Heterosexual adolescents are less likely to use contraceptives when their partners are of different backgrounds or social circles. It is unclear why risky behaviors are more common within these relationships, and characteristics associated with school-discordant partners-that is, partners who do not attend the adolescent's school-are particularly understudied. Characteristics of romantic relationships and contraceptive use were examined among 1,043 female and 961 male respondents in Waves 1 (1994-1995) and 2 (1996) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Generalized linear regression and structural equation models identified individual- and relationship-level characteristics that were associated with school-discordant relationships and contraceptive use. For females, the likelihood of ever having used a condom with a partner was reduced when that partner had not attended her school at the start of the relationship (odds ratio, 0.5) or when he was two or more years older (0.6). Notably, however, having a school- or age-discordant partner was not associated with ever having used hormonal or dual methods for females, or with any contraceptive measures for males. For females, lower emotional intimacy with school-discordant partners was positively associated with ever having used condoms with such partners (1.2). Characteristics of school-discordant relationships are correlated with condom use in varying and sometimes countervailing ways. Future research examining the mechanisms linking school discordance to decreased condom use, particularly for females, would deepen understanding of the emotional and psychosocial processes involved in adolescents' sexual and contraceptive behavior.

Psychological Effects of Abuse, Partner Pressure, and Alcohol: The Roles of in-the-Moment Condom Negotiation Efficacy and Condom-Decision Abdication on Women's Intentions to Engage in Condomless Sex.

Women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) from their male partners can include psychological, physical, and sexual control and abuse. The psychological effects of abuse (PEA) include terror, shame, and loss of power and control in relationships. While women's experiences of IPV are associated with decreased condom use, limited research has examined the impact of PEA on women's condom use. Intoxicated (breath alcohol content [BrAC] = .10%) versus sober women were evaluated to test the hypothesis that PEA would interact with intoxication and scenario-context partner pressure to forgo condom use and be associated with intentions to engage in condomless sex. After beverage administration, community women (N = 405) projected themselves into a computerized scenario depicting a male partner exerting high or low pressure for condomless sex. In-the-moment condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom-decision abdication-letting the man decide on condom use-were assessed. Path analysis examined the direct and indirect effects of PEA, alcohol, and partner pressure conditions on condomless sex intentions. PEA increased condomless sex intentions indirectly through decreased condom negotiation self-efficacy. Intoxication increased condomless sex intentions indirectly through decreased condom negotiation self-efficacy and increased condom-decision abdication. Intoxicated women in the low pressure condition were more likely to abdicate the condom decision than women in the high pressure condition. Women who have experienced greater PEA may benefit from interventions focusing on how condom negotiation self-efficacy, condom-decision abdication, and intoxication influence sexual decision-making.

Confronting Rising STIs in the Era of PrEP and Treatment as Prevention.

This study aims to review the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and suggest control measures. Despite declines in new HIV diagnosis, bacterial STIs among MSM have dramatically risen since the late 1990s. This increase occurred concurrent with introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy, the advent of electronic mechanisms for meeting sex partners and population-level changes in sexual behavior, including decreased condom use. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is now further diminishing condom use, though its impact on STIs is uncertain. A plan to confront the MSM STI epidemic should include increased HIV/STI testing promoted through expanded public health clinical infrastructure, health care system reform to improve the care of gender and sexual minorities and promote low-barrier care, re-invigorated condom promotion, and scientific innovation. There is an urgent need to implement new STI control measures while continuing to expand PrEP use.

Factors Associated With Increased Syphilis Screening Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Antiretroviral therapy effectively reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission, but in the context of undetectable equals untransmittable and decreased condom use, rates of syphilis are increasing. In Oregon, syphilis has risen over 20-fold in the past decade, from less than 30 to approximately 600 cases annually during 2016 and 2017. Although many cases are among people living with human immunodeficiency virus infection (PLWH), screening for syphilis among PLWH is often lacking. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of past-year syphilis testing among PLWH in Oregon to identify facility-level and individual-level factors associated with testing. We examined 2015 to 2016 Medical Monitoring Project interview and medical records data in Oregon and conducted supplemental interviews with participants' medical providers. We used generalized mixed effects models to identify factors associated with syphilis screening. Sixty-nine percent of Medical Monitoring Project participants had past-year syphilis screening. Patients receiving care from facilities with written sexually transmitted infection screening policies were far more likely to be screened than those receiving care from facilities without written policies (94% vs. 43%, P < 0.001). Participants who identified as male were more likely to have been tested, even after adjusting for facility-level characteristics. Clustering within facility accounted for about 15% of the unexplained variability in the adjusted mixed effects models. Written sexually transmitted infection screening policies at medical facilities appear to be an important tool for ensuring syphilis screening occurs as recommended to prevent the continued rise in syphilis.