Frequency Of Condom Use Research Articles

Knowledge and attitude on HIV-AIDS and Practice of Sexual Behavior among Female Sex Workers: a pilot study in Jhapa, Nepal

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a public health problem of major significance in most parts of the world. The first HIV infection was detected in 1988 in Nepal. Since then HIV and AIDS epidemic has evolved from low to concentrated among “High risk groups” i.e. Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and Seasonal labor Migrants. The objective of this study was to find out knowledge, attitude on HIV-AIDS among the respondents and assess the types of behavior that places them at risk of contracting HIV_AIDS in Jhapa district of Nepal. This was the cross sectional descriptive study carried out among High risk behavior group (FSWs, and Clients of FSWs) who come for treatment at VCT centre of Jhapa district. Multi stage purposive and random sampling was adopted and data were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. Maximum no. of respondents (98.9 %) had heard about HIV and (100.0 %) had heard about AIDS, (100.0 %) using condom, among which (82.2%) used consistently. About half of the respondents (50.1%) had thought that they have chances of contracting HIV/AIDS. Sex at an early age was the prevalent practice among the study population as (46 .6 %) of them reported to have initiated before the age of 15 years. As the age at first sex increases RTI problems decreases (p=0.018) and vice versa. Less than half of the respondents (71.2%) had used alcohol during sexual activity, among which, (59.6%) had neglected to use condom. Knowledge about HIV-AIDS and condom was high. More than half of the respondent perceived their high risk to HIV/AIDS infection, judging from their present sexual behavior. The frequency of condom use was unsatisfactory (82.2%). Alcohol use and negligence to use condom during sexual activity was high.

Sexual Communication Between Early Adolescents and Their Dating Partners, Parents, and Best Friends

This study assessed early adolescents’ sexual communication with dating partners, parents, and best friends about six sexual health topics: condoms, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), pregnancy, and abstinence/waiting. Using a school-based sample of 603 youth (ages 12 to 15; 57% female; 46% Caucasian), we examined communication differences across demographic and developmental factors, tested whether communication with parents and best friends was associated with greater communication with partners, and examined associations between communication and condom use. More than half of participants had not discussed any sexual topics with their dating partners (54%), and many had not communicated with parents (29%) or best friends (25%). On average, communication was more frequent among adolescents who were female, African American, older, and sexually active, despite some variation in subgroups across partner, parent, and friend communication. Importantly, communication with parents and friends—and the interaction between parent and friend communication—was associated with increased communication with dating partners. Further, among sexually active youth, increased sexual communication with partners was associated with more frequent condom use. Results highlight the importance of understanding the broader family and peer context surrounding adolescent sexual decision making and suggest a possible need to tailor sexual communication interventions.

Systematic Assessment of Condom Use Measurement in Evaluation of HIV Prevention Interventions: Need for Standardization of Measures

When evaluating HIV prevention interventions, condom use is a common outcome measure used to assess changes in HIV-related behaviors; however, no widely accepted standards exist for its measurement. Using systematic review data on HIV prevention interventions conducted in low- and middle-income countries, we examined trends in condom use measurement since 1990. We abstracted data from standardized forms on six dimensions of condom use: partner type, temporal period, measurement scale, consistency, controlling for abstinence, and type of sex. Of 215 studies reviewed, 109 studies (51 %) measured condom use as a primary outcome. Outcomes were stratified by partner type in 47 studies (43 %). Assessing condom use at last sex was the most common measurement. Consistency of condom use was assessed in 47 studies (43 %). Developing and utilizing standards for condom use measurement would increase comparability of findings across studies and benefit HIV prevention research. Recommendations include measuring condom use at last sex, frequency of condom use, and number of protected sex acts in studies evaluating the efficacy of behavioral interventions on sexual risk behavior.

HIV prevalence and related risk behaviours among female sex workers in Iran: results of the national biobehavioural survey, 2010

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of HIV and related behavioural risks among Iranian female sex workers (FSW) via the first national biobehavioural surveillance survey.MethodsIn 2010, 1005 FSW were approached and 872...

Body Mass Index, Depression, and Condom Use Among HIV-Infected Men who have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Moderation Analysis

Findings have been inconsistent regarding the association of obesity and sexual risk behaviors. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prospective nature of body mass index (BMI), depression, and their interaction in predicting condom use during anal intercourse among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). The sample (N = 490) was obtained from a large, HIV clinical cohort from four sites across the U.S. The following inclusion criteria were employed: identification as MSM and had completed at least one wave of patient-reported measures (e.g., depression, as measured by the PHQ-9) in the clinical cohort study. Longitudinal linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a significant BMI by depression interaction. Depressive symptoms were predictive of less frequent condom use for obese but not overweight men. Analogous results were found in regard to comparisons between normal weight and overweight men. Obesity, in the context of depression, is a risk factor for unprotected anal intercourse among HIV-infected MSM. Cognitive behavioral interventions to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors among HIV-infected MSM should adopt an integrated perspective, combining sexual risk reduction with treatment for depression and body-related concerns.

El Papel de la Cercanía entre Hermanos sobre la Conducta Sexual Protegida

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether dyadic configuration fraternal closeness by gender and role (brother/sister older/younger) predicts condom use or if it´s a mediating role in parental variables associated with frequency of condom use. 592 university students participated elected a non-probability sampling (43.8% men and 56.3% women). Assessed sexual communication with parents, parenting styles, fraternal closeness and frequency of condom use in the last six months. Women with an older sister frequently used condoms unlike men. The fraternal closeness with younger brother in women (β-) and closeness to the younger sister in males are predictors of condom use. Parental variables were set as predictors of fraternal closeness but not condom use. Discuss the importance of including in the analysis of sexual behavior protected fraternal group in relation to parental variables in order to have a different interpretation on how the family (parents-siblings) influences sexual behavior.

Associations between drug use and sexual risks among heterosexual men in the Philippines

The relationship between drug use and sexual risk behaviours among 2272 men in the southern Philippines was assessed. Over 20% of participants used drugs. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, marital status, income, occupation and geographic region revealed that compared to non-drug users, men who used drugs had earlier sexual debuts (adjusted odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval = 1.38-2.17), were more likely to report two or more recent sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio = 2.22; 95% confidence interval = 1.59-3.11), and were more likely to report ever having sex with a female sex worker (adjusted odds ratio = 2.99; 95% confidence interval = 2.25-4.00). Condom use was noted to be low overall among the men in this study; however, the odds of more frequent condom use with a regular partner were greater for men who used drugs compared to non-drug users (adjusted odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval = 1.26-2.02). There were no significant differences in condom use during last sex or frequency of condom use with a sex worker. While injection drug use was not common (1%), use of oral or inhaled substances was prevalent, and associated with increased sexual risk for acquisition and transmission of STI/HIV. Efforts to decrease STI/HIV transmission should specifically target non-injection drug use as a risk factor.

Comparison of Adolescents' Reports of Sexual Behavior on a Survey and Sexual Health History Calendar

Assessing sexual risk is critical for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention with adolescents. This article compares sexual risk reports from two self-administered instruments, a standard survey and a sexual health history calendar (SHHC), among racially diverse youth (n = 232) ages 14 to 21 seeking services at a public health clinic. Agreement between methods was assessed using Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and Bland-Altman plots. Lin's CCC showed poor to moderate agreement between instruments on reports of sexual partners in the past 3 (0.47), 6 (0.55), and 12 (0.49) months. While individual sexual partner questions were refused a total of 179 times on the survey, youth reported having sexual partners during the same time period on the SHHC in most (77.1%) of these instances. Poor agreement was also found for condom use frequency (CCC = 0.17), with youth's frequency of condom use on the SHHC differing from that reported on the survey for more than half (55.6%) of the months they were sexually active. While lack of objective sexual behavior measures limits conclusions about the accuracy of reports, the ways in which youth's responses varied across instruments may offer insight into the complexity of adolescent sexual risk taking as well as have important implications for development of HIV/STI preventive interventions.

Gender and Social Rejection as Risk Factors for Engaging in Risky Sexual Behavior Among Crack/Cocaine Users

Crack/cocaine and engagement in risky sexual behavior represent important contributors to the escalation of the HIV infection among women. Several lines of research have emphasized the role of social factors in women's vulnerability for such practices and stressed the importance of understanding such factors to better inform prevention efforts and improve their effectiveness and efficiency. However, few studies have attempted to pinpoint specific social/contextual factors particularly relevant to high-risk populations such as female crack/cocaine users. Extensive previous research has related the experience of social rejection to a variety of negative outcomes including, but not limited to, various forms of psychopathology, self-defeating, and self-harm behavior. Motivated by this research, the current study explored the role of laboratory-induced social rejection in moderating the relationship between gender and risky sexual behavior among a sample of crack/cocaine users (n = 211) at high risk for HIV. The results showed that among women, but not among men, experiencing social rejection was significantly associated with a greater number of sexual partners. Further, experiencing social rejection was not related to the frequency of condom use. Implications for future research, prevention, and treatment are discussed.

HPV Vaccination and Sexual Behavior in a Community College Sample

Many US parents are concerned that vaccinating daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) will communicate implicit approval for sexual activity and be associated with early or risky sexual behavior (Scarinci et al. in J Womens Health 16(8):1224-1233, 2007; Schuler et al. in Sex Transm Infect 87:349-353, 2011). The aims of this study were to understand (a) whether the HPV vaccine was associated with risky sexual behavior among a diverse sample of female adolescents and young adults, and (b) to better understand the chronology of HPV vaccination and sexual behavior. An anonymous web-based survey was used to collect data from 114 female community college students. T test and Chi square analyses were used to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated groups on age at first intercourse and proportion who had ever had sexual intercourse. Linear multiple regression was used to predict frequency of condom use and number of sexual partners in the past year, using vaccination status and demographic factors as predictors. About 38% reported receiving at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Many of those vaccinated (45%) received the vaccine after having initiated sexual activity. The proportion of women who were sexually experienced did not differ by HPV vaccine status, nor did age at first intercourse, number of partners in the past year, or frequency of condom use. Current findings suggest that HPV vaccination is not associated with riskier sexual activity for the young women in this sample. Adolescents and their parents may benefit from education about the need to receive the HPV vaccine before onset of sexual activity.

Alcohol use and HIV serostatus of partner predict high-risk sexual behavior among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Western Uganda

BackgroundAntiretroviral treatment restores the physical and immunological function for patients with HIV/AIDS and the return of sexual desire. The frequency and correlates of sexual activity among patients receiving ART have not been widely studied. There is concern that widespread availability of ART may result in sexual disinhibition including practice of high-risk sexual behavior. We determined the correlates of sexual activity and high-risk sexual behavior in an ART-treated population in rural and urban Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 329 ART-treated adult patients at two hospitals, one located in rural and another in urban western Uganda. We collected data on sexual activity, frequency of condom use, pregnancy, viral load (VL) and CD4. Patients were considered sexually active if they had had sexual intercourse in the last 6 months. Any unprotected sex was considered high-risk sex. A two-stage logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with sexual activity and high-risk sex among those sexually active.ResultsOverall, 222 (67%) patients were women, 138 (41.2%) had been on ART for at least one year, and 168 (51.4%) were sexually active of whom 127 (75.6%) used condoms at the last intercourse. Younger age (<=30 years) (Odds ratio; OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.2, 4.2), higher monthly income (OR=4.1, 95% CI 2.4, 7.4), and being married (OR=22.7, 95% CI 8.2, 62.9) were associated with being sexually active. Undetectable VL, CD4 count and treatment duration were not significantly associated with sexual activity. Among the sexually active, alcohol consumption (OR=3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 9.1) and unknown serostatus of partner (OR=5.8, 95% CI 1.5, 21.4) were significant predictors of high-risk sexual behavior. The frequency of unprotected sex at the last intercourse was 25.9% and 22.1% among the men and women respectively and was not significantly different (p value for chi square test =0.59).ConclusionYounger persons receiving ART are more likely to be sexually active. ART clients are more likely to engage in unprotected sex when sero-status of partner is unknown or report use of alcohol. Counseling on alcohol use and disclosure of sero-status may be useful in reducing high risk sexual behavior.

The gap between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior: a study of teenagers in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate gaps between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior among teenagers. The study used a cross-sectional design with a representative random sample of 1,158 teenagers (14 to 19 years of age) enrolled in nine public secondary schools and who answered validated questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of hypotheses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall, and Fisher's exact test). The vast majority of the teenagers (98.7%) expressed doubt on at least one question. Condom use during first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use in sexual relations in the previous six months. There was no statistical association between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and frequency of condom use or number of sexual partners. Health actions are needed that link schools to health services, in addition to not only elaborating appropriate information but also valorizing teenagers' individuality in the development of proposals.

The gap between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior: a study of teenagers in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate gaps between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior among teenagers. The study used a cross-sectional design with a representative random sample of 1,158 teenagers (14 to 19 years of age) enrolled in nine public secondary schools and who answered validated questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of hypotheses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall, and Fisher's exact test). The vast majority of the teenagers (98.7%) expressed doubt on at least one question. Condom use during first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use in sexual relations in the previous six months. There was no statistical association between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and frequency of condom use or number of sexual partners. Health actions are needed that link schools to health services, in addition to not only elaborating appropriate information but also valorizing teenagers' individuality in the development of proposals

A review of contraceptive practices among married and unmarried women in China from 1982 to 2010

ABSTRACTObjective To analyse the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among – and contraceptive methods used by – married and unmarried women in China, from 1982 to 2010.Method Data concerning married women were collected from national surveys conducted by the Chinese government. Those pertaining to unmarried women were obtained by searching the China Academic Journal Network Publishing database and PubMed.Results CPR among married women in China was 89% in 2010, the highest in the world. Most married women use long-acting reversible contraceptives, particularly intrauterine devices, and sterilisation. CPR among sexually active unmarried women has fluctuated between 17 and 70% since 1988, although the frequency of condom use has increased (Cochran-Armitage trend test, χ2 = 126.1, p < 0.001). More than 25% of unmarried women rely since at least 1982 on less effective contraceptive methods, including rhythm and withdrawal. This has led to an annual induced abortion rate of approximately 20% among those women.Conclusion In sharp contrast to the high CPR among married women, the rate among sexually active unmarried women in China has remained extremely low since 1988. More efforts should be directed at raising contraception awareness among this population to improve their reproductive health and reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancy.

Effectiveness of a brief curriculum to promote condom and health care use among out-of-school young adult males.

Out-of-school black males aged 15-24 have higher levels of sexual risk-taking than in-school black males of the same age. However, few sexual risk reduction curricula are focused on out-of-school male youth. A sexual and reproductive health intervention conducted at a Baltimore youth employment and training program in 2008-2010 was evaluated in a study involving 197 youth aged 16-24 from a predominantly black population. Ninety-eight participants received three one-hour curriculum sessions on consecutive days; 99 served as controls. At baseline and three months later, participants completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics and various knowledge, attitude and behavior measures. Regression analysis with random effects was used to assess differences between intervention participants and controls in changes in outcomes over time. In analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics, intervention participants showed greater improvements in outcomes between baseline and follow-up than did controls. Specifically, a male who received the intervention was more likely than a control male to report increases in knowledge of STDs and health care use (odds ratio, 1.6 for each), frequency of condom use (1.8), use of lubricant with condoms (23.6), communication with a provider about STDs (12.3) and STD testing (16.6). These findings suggest the potential benefits of integrating safer-sex and health care information into a sexual and reproductive health curriculum for out-of-school male youth.

Mother's and father's monitoring is more important than parental social support regarding sexual risk behaviour among 15-year-old adolescents

ABSTRACTBackground and objectives There is strong evidence that parental processes such as monitoring and social support play an important role with regard to sexual risk behaviour among adolescents. We wished to explore the influence of both parents’ monitoring and support on sexual risk behaviour among adolescent boys and girls.Methods Questionnaires concerning sexual risk behaviour, parental support and parental monitoring were administered to 15-year-old students (n = 1343; 628 boys). Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were used to explore the effect of parents’ monitoring and support on sexual risk behaviour among adolescent boys and girls.Results Parental monitoring was more strongly associated with sexual risk behaviour than parental social support. In particular, less monitoring by the father was significantly linked to early first sexual intercourse among girls and to not using a condom during last intercourse among boys. Less monitoring by the mother was associated only with not using a condom at last intercourse among boys.Conclusion Parental monitoring, even more than parental support, may delay the onset of sexual activity and increase the frequency of condom use among adolescents. The effects of mothers’ and fathers’ parenting processes on sexual risk behaviour of adolescents differ. Paternal monitoring affects condom use among boys, and initiation of sexual activity in girls.

Inconsistent condom use among HIV‐positive women in the “Treatment as Prevention Era”: data from the Italian DIDI study

IntroductionTranslation of the evidence regarding the protective role of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on HIV sexual transmission rates into sexual behaviour patterns of HIV-infected subjects remains largely unexplored. This study aims to describe frequency of self-reported condom use among women living with HIV in Italy and to investigate the variables associated with inconsistent condom use (ICU).MethodsDIDI (Donne con Infezione Da HIV) is an Italian multicentre study based on a questionnaire survey performed during November 2010 and February 2011. Women-reported frequency of condom use was dichotomized in “always” versus “at times”/“never” (ICU).ResultsAmong 343 women, prevalence of ICU was 44.3%. Women declared a stable partnership with an HIV-negative (38%) and with an HIV-positive person (43%), or an occasional sexual partner (19%). Among the 194 women engaged in a stable HIV-negative or an occasional partnership, 51% reported fear of infecting the partner. Nonetheless, 43% did not disclose HIV-positive status. Less than 5% of women used contraceptive methods other than condoms. At multivariable analysis, variables associated with ICU in the subgroup of women with a stable HIV-negative or an occasional HIV-unknown partner were: having an occasional partner (AOR 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–8.54, p=0.005), and reporting fear of infecting the sexual partner (AOR 3.20, 95% CI 1.43–7.16, p=0.004). Current use of HAART together with virological control in plasma level did not predict ICU after adjusting for demographic, behavioural and HIV-related factors. With regard to socio-demographic factors, lower education was the only variable significantly associated with ICU in the multivariate analysis (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07–4.82, p=0.03). No association was found between high adherence to HAART and ICU after adjusting for potential confounders (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39–2.01, p=0.78).ConclusionsCurrently in Italy, the use of HAART with undetectable HIV RNA in plasma as well as antiretroviral adherence is not associated with a specific condom use pattern in women living with HIV and engaged with a sero-discordant or an HIV-unknown partner. This might suggest that the awareness of the protective role of antiretroviral treatment on HIV sexual transmission is still limited among HIV-infected persons, at least in this country.

Factors associated with prevalence of oral lesions and oral self-examination in young adults from a birth cohort in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate gaps between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexual behavior among teenagers. The study used a cross-sectional design with a representative random sample of 1,158 teenagers (14 to 19 years of age) enrolled in nine public secondary schools and who answered validated questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of hypotheses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall, and Fisher's exact test). The vast majority of the teenagers (98.7%) expressed doubt on at least one question. Condom use during first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use in sexual relations in the previous six months. There was no statistical association between knowledge on HIV/AIDS and frequency of condom use or number of sexual partners. Health actions are needed that link schools to health services, in addition to not only elaborating appropriate information but also valorizing teenagers' individuality in the development of proposals

Autoeficacia en la prevención sexual del Sida: la influencia del género

The scientific literature suggests that a low self-efficacy for condom use may be related to many risky behaviors for HIV transmission in young people. We analyze the self-efficacy of condom use among youth, the existence of gender differences and the relationship with other relevant variables in HIV prevention. The "Self-Efficacy Condom Use Subscale", included in the AIDS Prevention Questionnaire (Ballester, Gil and Giménez, 2007), was administrated to 3540 university students (50.9% women, 49.1% men). The results showed that the sample obtained medium-high scores on self-efficacy, showing the lowest scores when behavior involves their sexual control at the time of excitation. Statistically significant differences were obtained in different situations according to gender. In this regard, women perceived themselves higher condom use self-efficacy than men, especially when their suggestion about condom use might cause a negative evaluation to the partner; and unless than men those relating to public domain (buying condoms). Moreover, self-efficacy correlated significantly with preventive behavior intention, increased self-reported frequency of condom use and perceived effectiveness of condoms in HIV prevention. Future preventive interventions should include an element of self-efficacy and a differentiated perspective by gender. �&lt;s-��'�'AR-SA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA'&gt;It seems that the perceived quality of life in patients with personality disorders, drug or mental health consumers, is determined by the concomitant presence of other psychopathology on Axis I. This concomitant should be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Migration Status, Work Conditions and Health Utilization of Female Sex Workers in Three South African Cities

Intersections between migration and sex work are underexplored in southern Africa, a region with high internal and cross-border population mobility, and HIV prevalence. Sex work often constitutes an important livelihood activity for migrant women. In 2010, sex workers trained as interviewers conducted cross-sectional surveys with 1,653 female sex workers in Johannesburg (Hillbrow and Sandton), Rustenburg and Cape Town. Most (85.3 %) sex workers were migrants (1396/1636): 39.0 % (638/1636) internal and 46.3 % (758/1636) cross-border. Cross-border migrants had higher education levels, predominately worked part-time, mainly at indoor venues, and earned more per client than other groups. They, however, had 41 % lower health service contact (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; 95 % confidence interval = 0.40–0.86) and less frequent condom use than non-migrants. Police interaction was similar. Cross-border migrants appear more tenacious in certain aspects of sex work, but require increased health service contact. Migrant-sensitive, sex work-specific health care and health education are needed.