Experience Of Condom Use Research Articles

ESTABLISHMENT OF INDIVIDUAL CONSONANCE IN MAKASSAR MUSLIM COMMUNITIES ON CONDOMS THROUGH LOCAL FUNCTION INSTITUTION

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the occurrence of individual cognitive dissonance in the community towards condoms in the city of Makassar through a quantitative approach to analytical design. The location of the study was in Makassar City on the grounds that Makassar City had the largest HIV and AIDS cases in South Sulawesi, the level of condom use was still very low, the HIV / AIDS epidemic rate was very high in the last 3 years, especially in the pattern of HIV and AIDS transmission through sex heterosexual. The results found that religious norms, cultural values and experience of condom use have an influence on the occurrence of individual cognitive dissonance towards the condom and experience of condom use is the most dominant factor affecting the occurrence of individual cognitive dissonance in the condom.

Assessing the perceived benefits of a new condom wrapper/integrated applicator: an exploratory study.

Errors and problems associated with male condom use are very prevalent and increase the likelihood of inconsistent and incomplete use, thereby compromising condom effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived benefits of a new condom wrapper/integrated applicator designed to reduce barriers to condom use and lessen the likelihood of user errors and problems. After viewing videos depicting features of the wrapper/applicator, participants (N = 547; 62.9% male, M age = 29.2) completed online questionnaires. Most participants reported that the product would make condom application easier and quicker, make them more confident that condoms had been applied correctly and make sex more pleasurable and playful. The majority of participants who had recent experience of condom use errors/problems reported that the use of the product would likely prevent these issues from occurring. Reduced chance of condom damage, the design features of the wrapper and not having to touch the condom itself during application were perceived as particular benefits of the product. The findings suggest that the product might reduce the likelihood of a range of condom user errors and problems and enhance pleasure during condom-protected sex. Future larger-scale studies that involve participants physically testing the condom wrapper/applicator are warranted.

The intention to use HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men in Switzerland: testing an extended explanatory model drawing on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when available and to identify predictors of the intention to use PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Switzerland. The theoretical model drew on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and considered additional variables related specifically to PrEP, HIV protection and the resources of MSM.Subject and methodsFor data collection, we used an anonymous, standardized self-administered online questionnaire. In 2015, we gathered a convenience sample of 556 HIV-negative MSM living in Switzerland. We analyzed the data using descriptive and bivariate statistics and used structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized model.ResultsPredictors of respondents’ moderate intention to use PrEP were performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived social influence, concerns about using PrEP, attitudes toward condom use, negative experiences of condom use and age. These variables were predicted by HIV protection-related aspects and resources.ConclusionThe findings provide insights into the complex dynamic underlying the intention to use PrEP.

Structure and agency in long-distance truck drivers’ lived experiences of condom use for HIV prevention

Condom promotion has emerged as a mainstay of targeted HIV prevention interventions in India, with its emphasis on individual behaviour change and personal responsibility. However, such approaches often do not account for marginalised populations’ structural vulnerability to HIV, arising from social, economic and political factors in the lived environment. In this paper, I use a critical health communication framework to analyse how structure and agency interact in influencing condom use among long-distance truck drivers in India. Drawing on an abductive discourse analysis of condom-use discourses among truckers and peer educators in two Indian cities, findings reveal that while truckers understand the biomedical logic of condoms as barriers, they also express anxiety about condom breakage and experience structural barriers to condom use. The paper concludes by calling for greater attention to structural vulnerabilities in future HIV prevention efforts with truck drivers.

“Whenever Jack sees a condom, he falls asleep”: experiences of condom use and erectile disorder among HIV positive men in a Zimbabwean rural setting

In this qualitative inquiry, we set out to explore the experience of condom use and erectile disorder (ED) among men living with HIV in a rural district of Zimbabwe. Data on condom use related erectile disorder with antiretroviral (ART) medication were collected from a purposive sample of 18 men living with HIV and AIDS (age range 23–54 years). These data were supplemented with those from a convenience sample of 23 women living with HIV who self-identified as partners of men living with HIV and AIDS (age range 26–37 years). The data were thematically analyzed. Results suggest that men attributed their experiencing of erectile problems to two main explanations: use of condoms and ART medication. These men reported inconsistent use of condoms and/or adherance to ART therapy due to a belief that these cause their ED. The women informants reported similar observations, including the shared gendered perspective that the men perceived a loss of sense of manhood from ED. Beliefs that influence health promotion with men living with HIV and AIDS are important to public health interventions with them.

Gender Matters: Condom Use and Nonuse Among Behaviorally Bisexual Men

Although frequently cited as being at high risk for HIV/STI transmission, little is known about behaviorally bisexual men's patterns and experiences of condom use and nonuse with male and female sexual partners. Using a variety of recruitment techniques informed by a Community Advisory Committee, a total of 77 behaviorally bisexual men were recruited from Indianapolis, Indiana to participate in semi-structured interviews focused on sexual health. Qualitative data were collected containing detailed information on their patterns and experiences of condom use and nonuse with both male and female partners. Participants described numerous commonly reported barriers for consistent condom use, as well as distinct bisexual-specific barriers. The majority reported consistent condom use with male and female casual partners, but many who did not use condoms described doing so in the context of ongoing relationships. In addition, participants provided reasons for condom use and nonuse that varied based on the gender of the partner and the type of relationship with the partner. Future interventions focused on increasing condom use among behaviorally bisexual men should take into account the unique complexities of gender and relationship configurations in this distinct population.

Sex, Condoms and Sexually Transmissible Infections: A Qualitative Study of Sexual Health in Young Australian Men

Young males have a key role in shaping contraceptive use in a sexual relationship, yet often remain the invisible partner in safe sex promotion. This article describes a conceptual model of STI risk and condom use based on the perceptions and experiences of condom use in a group of young Australian males. An explorative descriptive design was used to conceptualize participants' condom use histories into an organized description of behavior. Forty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of males aged 15 to 25 years over an 18 month period. A sequential analytical process of data immersion, coding, and category generation was used to identify personal meanings, motivations, and contextual factors associated with condom use and non-use. Three primary discourses associated with young males' perceptions of STI risk and responding approach to condom use constructed personal commitment to sexual safety as dynamic, context-dependent, and outcome-driven (pregnancy versus STIs as the primary motivator of condom use). A regretful discourse associated with experiences of, or suspected unwanted outcomes, also emerged through changes in risk appraisals and safe sex intentions and behavior. Interventions to increase condom use should go beyond the traditional focus on risky behavior and disease prevention frameworks by addressing the contextual influences on personal risk appraisals and deliver innovative messages to reduce negative social meanings associated with condom use.

Views and experiences of young women about chlamydia in Scotland: Knowledge, condom use and access to health services

The study aimed to elicit perceptions of and awareness about chlamydia, views and experiences of condom use as protection against a chlamydia infection and of access to sexual health services. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured individual interviews. The sample consisted of 12 young females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. Transcripts were analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) to identify recurrent themes and their interlinks. Six themes were identified: facts versus risk misjudgement; social stigma and taboos; assertiveness versus fear of conflict; respect versus patronising; accessibility and discreteness; and targeting young people. An awareness of the shame, embarrassment and social stigma associated with sexual health and specifically chlamydia testing and diagnosis were central in participants’ accounts. Participants also emphasised the need for effective sex education, especially for young women. It is envisaged that findings have the potential to inform health education, policy and clinical practice regarding sexually transmitted infections and chlamydia in particular.

Does Circumcision Make a Difference to the Sexual Experience of Gay Men? Findings from the Health in Men (HIM) Cohort

The relevance of circumcision in preventing male-to-male sexual transmission of HIV is poorly understood, in particular because any potential beneficial effect could be diminished by the impact of circumcision on sexual behavior. We examined the impact of circumcision on sexual experience. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed on data from 1,426 HIV-negative homosexually active men. We compared the sexual behaviors and preferences of circumcised with uncircumcised men, and men who were circumcised at infancy with those who were circumcised after infancy. Overall, 66% of men (N = 939) in the cohort were circumcised. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, we found no differences between circumcised and uncircumcised men in any insertive or receptive anal intercourse, difficulty using condoms, or sexual difficulties (e.g., loss of libido). Among the circumcised men, we compared those circumcised at infancy (N = 854) with those circumcised after infancy (N = 81). The majority cited phimosis (i.e., an inability to fully retract the foreskin) and parents' decision as the main reasons for circumcision after infancy. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, the men circumcised after infancy were more likely to practice any receptive anal sex (88% vs. 75%, P < 0.05) and to experience erection difficulties (52% vs. 47%, P < 0.05), but less likely to practice any insertive anal sex (79% vs. 87%, P < 0.05) and to experience premature ejaculation (15% vs. 23%, P < 0.05) than those circumcised at infancy. Our data suggest that overall circumcision status does not affect the HIV-negative gay men's anal sexual behaviors, experience of condom use, or likelihood of sexual difficulties. However, there is some suggestion of differences in sexual practices and preferences among circumcised gay men depending on the age at circumcision. In particular, gay men circumcised later are more likely to engage in and prefer receptive anal intercourse.

64. DOES CIRCUMCISION MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE SEXUAL EXPERIENCE OF GAY MEN? FINDINGS FROM THE HEALTH IN MEN (HIM) COHORT

The relevance of circumcision in preventing HIV male-to-male sex transmission is poorly understood, in particular because any potential effect could be obscured by sexual practice as a mediating or confounding factor. Using data from the Health in Men (HIM) cohort of 1426 HIV-negative homosexually active men in Sydney, we compared the sexual practices and sexual experiences of circumcised and uncircumcised men. Overall 66% of men (n�=�939) in the cohort were circumcised. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, we found no difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men in anal sexual practices, difficulty using condoms, or sexual difficulties (e.g. loss of libido). Among the circumcised men, we compared those circumcised at infancy (n�=�854) with those circumcised after infancy (n�=�81). The majority cited phimosis (i.e., an inability to fully retract the foreskin) and parents' decision as the main reasons for circumcision after infancy. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, men circumcised after infancy were more likely to practise receptive anal sex (88% vs 75%, p�&lt;�0.05) and to experience erection difficulties (52% vs 47%, p�&lt;�0.05); but less likely to practise insertive anal sex (79% vs 87%, p�&lt;�0.05) and to experience premature ejaculation (15% vs 23%, p�&lt;�0.05) than those circumcised at infancy. Our data suggest that overall circumcision status does not affect HIV-negative gay men's anal sexual practices, experience of condom use or likelihood of sexual difficulties. However, there is some suggestion of differences between circumcised men depending on the age at circumcision.

The experience of condom use and other sexual risk practices among male brewery employees who recently migrated in Nigeria

Objective To identify factors that predict condom use and sexual practices of brewery employees who had recently been on short- and longterm migration in the course of their jobs in Nigeria. Design A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to investigate the relationship between sexual practices and condom use of migrant employees, and to determine the predictors of condom use at last intercourse during migration. Setting The study was conducted in a large multinational brewery in Nigeria with operational locations in various parts of the country. Method A sample of 936 male employees was selected consecutively in the brewery in 2002. They were independently invited to respond to a questionnaire consisting of items that covered background characteristics, condom use and sexual experiences. Results The findings showed that 40 per cent of participants reported they were using alcohol occasionally prior to sex and 54 per cent reported that they either received or paid money for sex. Forty-seven per cent of men indicated that they used condoms at their last intercourse during migration, while 62 per cent had had one to three sexual partners during their last migration. The odds of using a condom at last intercourse were significantly lower for married than for single participants (odds ratio, 0.57). Compared with participants without the intention to use a condom in next intercourse during migration, those with the intention were significantly more likely to report condom use (odds ratio, 9.7). The odds of condom use were significantly higher for participants who perceived that a condom prevents HIV transmission than those who either did not have the perception or were not sure (odds ratio, 0.30-1.80). Conclusion Steps are needed to promote condom use among brewery employees on migration. Intervention programmes aimed to enhance condom use among prospective migrant employees may be more effective if they provide opportunities for the employees to think about the advantages of condoms in sexual encounters under migration conditions.

Factors affecting men's liking of condoms they have used.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact on men's liking for the condoms they use of a range of factors including demographic variables and variables that describe men's experience of using particular condoms. One hundred and ninety-four men used 3765 condoms for which they provided a liking rating. The condoms were manufactured to one of 2 published standards and the study employed a double-blind crossover design. Sixty-one per cent of condoms were rated favourably, 31% were rated neutrally and the remainder (8%) unfavourably. Men rated condoms less favourably if they were experienced as too loose, too tight, too short, if difficulty was experienced applying the condom, if the condom slipped partially or completely down the penis or if the condom broke. Men rated more highly condoms which were experienced as well lubricated throughout use. Men with larger penises rated condoms less favourably and, of all the variables considered, ejaculating in the condom was the variable which had the largest positive impact. Men's liking for the condoms they use is influenced by a range of factors. However, given that most of the factors associated with men liking condoms less are those that can be addressed through better condom design and manufacture, the opportunity exists to enhance men's experience of condom use and hence help reduce resistance to the adoption of consistent condom use.

Change in sexual behaviour and decline in HIV infection among young pregnant women in urban Uganda.

To describe sexual behaviour that may partly explain a decline in HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in urban settings in Uganda, East Africa. Two major urban districts in Uganda. Repeated population-based behavioural surveys in 1989 and 1995, and repeated HIV serological surveys in consecutive pregnant women attending antenatal clinics from 1989 to 1995. During the study period, a 2-year delay in the onset of sexual intercourse among youths aged 15-24 years and a 9% decrease in casual sex in the past year in male youths aged 15-24 years were reported. Men and women reported a 40% and 30% increase in experience of condom use, respectively. In the same study area, over the same period, there was an overall 40% decline in the rates of HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. It can be hypothesized that the observed declining trends in HIV correspond to a change in sexual behaviour and condom use, especially among youths. This is the first report of a change over a period of 6 years in male and female sexual behaviour, assessed at the population level, that may partly explain the observed decline in HIV seroprevalence in young pregnant women in urban Uganda. This result should encourage AIDS control programmes to pursue their prevention activities.

Risk‐taking, control over partner choice and intended use of condoms by virgins

AbstractThis paper discusses a model to predict intended condom use among a sample of British, 16‐20 year old virgins (n = 571). This group are of interest as they hold attitudes and have beliefs about condoms and their ability to use them that are not based upon experience of condom use. In particular the paper focuses upon intentions to use condoms despite the possible disadvantages that condoms are perceived by some to have (e.g. lost spontaneity, the need to carry them etc.). The resulting model suggests that perceptions of personal control over sexual relationships and the perceived ability to use condoms whatever the situation can predict intentions to use condoms. Where respondents expect not to have control, either over sexual relationships generally or condom use specifically, they are less likely to intend to use condoms. A willingness to take risks as a general trait of individuals also provides additional predictive power in the model. The results are discussed with reference to Bandura's (1989) theory of self‐efficacy and health education policy.

Sexual experience, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases among young women at a contraceptive clinic

All visitors who during one year visited a contraceptive clinic in the Solna district of Stockholm County and were below the age of 26 were asked to fill in a questionnaire and offered a test for C. trachomatis. Three hundred and six women (97%) participated. Ninety percent had at some time used oral contraceptives and 91% had experience of condom use. One-fifth of the whole group had undergone one or more legal abortions, and one fourth had experience of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most common STD experienced was chlamydia, followed by condyloma. The actual prevalence of chlamydia in the group was 6%. Sexual contacts were often made early in on-going steady relations. Forty-two percent admitted casual sex, but the number of life-time partners was five or less among the majority.