Use Of Condoms For Prevention Research Articles

Inconsistent condom use for prevention of HIV/STIs among street-based transgender sex workers in Lahore, Pakistan: socio-ecological analysis based on a qualitative study

BackgroundA large amount of new HIV infections worldwide is observed amongst key populations which include e.g., commercial sex workers or transgender people and their respective sexual partners. Therefore, this study examined the multi-level context of inconsistent condom use (ICU) in sexual interactions of transgender street-based workers (KSWs) with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners in Lahore.MethodsWe conducted 20 in-depth interviews with street-based KSWs to investigate challenges to consistent condom utilization with sexual partners. The qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to produce an initial set of codes and identify broader themes through a recursive exploration of the text.ResultsWithin a socio-ecological analysis we identified factors influencing ICU among KSWs at three levels. At the individual level, we identified knowledge and awareness, age, pleasure and pain, and mental health issues impacting on ICU. perceived characteristics of sexual partners, dynamics of cruising spots and places of sexual interactions, competition in sex trade, violence and lack of safety nets in street-based sex work, and condom use with lovers were factors associated with ICU. Risk factors at community level were changing urban geography of sex work, discrimination, harassment and regular evictions, networks with non-governmental organizations and the influence of gurus and Dera culture.ConclusionsUntil now, HIV prevention efforts in Pakistan have primarily focused on HIV risk factors at the level of individual behaviors within specific networks of target populations. However, our study points towards both the effectiveness and the urgency of interventions that address macro-level risk factors specific to key populations in Pakistan, in addition to behavioral interventions.

Studies on sexual and childbearing-related stigma against chronic hepatitis B patients in four provinces in China

Objective: This study intended to explore the current sexual and childbearing stigma, experienced by chronic hepatitis B patients in China, and to develop related preventive strategies. Methods: We used a self-made questionnaire to investigate the sexual and childbearing stigma suffered by chronic hepatitis B patients in four provinces of China. Analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare the differences on sexual and childbearing stigma indexes between different demographic variables. Results: We surveyed 797 chronic hepatitis B patients in four provinces. Among them, 4.15% (28/675) of the patients were persuaded not to give birth to children, and 4.67% (10/210) of patients were told to stop pregnancy, by their medical care takers or by members from the family planning institutions. 3.62% (25/690) and 3.48% (24/690) of the patients were not able to enjoy the family planning or reproductive health services as they were stigmatized,suffered, as having HBV infection. Among the male chronic hepatitis B patients, the under 30 years group suffered less sexual and childbearing stigma than those who were aged 31- (P=0.011) or 51 and above year-olds (P=0.009). Among female chronic hepatitis B patients, the 31- year-olds group suffered less sexual and childbearing stigma than those under 30 years group but higher than those aged 41- (P=0.001) or 51 and above ones (P<0.001). Patients with knowledge on route of sexual transmission for HBV, were more likely to practice less related sexual behaviors than those without such knowledge (P=0.022). Patients who were aware or not that condoms could reduce the risk of HBV infection did not show statistically significant difference on sex behaviors (P=0.612). Conclusions: Chronic hepatitis B patients did suffer from sexual and childbearing related stigma, with women aged 31-40 years old the most. It is necessary to advocate on the advantage of condom use for prevention of HBV transmission among pregnant women, both horizontally and vertically. Strategies on protection the rights of patients with hepatitis B should be developed and strengthened.

Awareness and Behaviours Relating to Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Students of Higher Institutions in South West Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute a major health concern worldwide, this is particularly so in the developing and low resource countries and important factor in the prevention and treatment is the awareness and attitudes of the people toward these diseases. Methodology: The study was conducted among the students in higher institutions in Ekiti state using a self-administered questionnaires following a two-stage stratified clustered sampling. Results: A total number of 150 questionnaires were distributed, with a response rate of 90% (135) and an average age of 22.94 years. The males were statistically older than the females (P<0.03). Gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV enjoyed better awareness compared to other STIs with (95.4%), (79.2%) and (77.7%) respectively with Chlamydia being the least known STI with only 16.2% of the respondents being aware. The male students had a higher incidence of multiple sexual partners than their female counterparts, with the difference being statistically significant both in the last 12 months (37.8% vs. 8.7%, P<0.001) and total numbers of sexual partners ever 54.1% vs. 21.7%, P<0.0001). Majority of respondents (50%) had their sexual debut between 15-20 years but a sizable number had first intercourse below 15 years of age (20%). Eighty-two percent (82%) and 50% of the respondents acknowledge the use of condom for prevention of STI transmission and contraception respectively. Conclusion: The knowledge of the students on STIs is above average except for Chlamydia infection. The practice of the students concerning sexual intercourse and prevention of STIs including HIV is disturbing, especially sexual intercourse and low level of condom use.

KAP Gap in Use of Condoms for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

KAP Gap in Use of Condoms for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Women’s Autonomy and Attitudes toward Condom Use: A Multicountry Analysis

ABSTRACTAutonomy gives women the ability to negotiate safe sex and make decisions on their health. This study explores the gender stratification framework to understand the intertwined nature of HIV and women’s autonomy using the nationally representative Demographic Health Survey. It examines women’s autonomy and attitudes toward condom use for prevention of HIV/AIDS in four culturally diverse countries. Findings from the logistic regression indicate that labor force participation, individual autonomy, and decision making significantly increased the odds of always using a condom during sex in all countries. Promoting prevention policies highlighting women’s autonomy may contribute in reducing the spread of HIV infection.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Mode of Transmission of HIV/AIDS and Prevention among Youths in the North West Region of Cameroon

Introduction: This study was carried out using a multistage cross sectional study to evaluate the extent of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and its effects on youths in the North West Region of Cameroon. Method: The study was carried out on 1,120 (690 females and 430 males) students aged 15-24 years who consented to participate in the study from April to June, 2014. A questionnaire to assess the knowledge of the study population on mode of HIV/AIDS transmission and use of condom for prevention was developed and pretested to 100 students in one of the non-participating schools. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20 statistical package. Results: The majority of students (81%) were very knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS transmission and condom use as prevention methods (87%). Although the majority of students knew that the use of the condom can prevent HIV/AIDS transmission, 68.5% said that they will be embarrassed buying condoms. The study revealed that 51.7% had never been taught how to use the condom, while 72.7% had never used condoms. There was a good number (67.2%) who believed that promoting condom use is promoting sex. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge on HIV prevention methods and the high level of misconception, pose a need to intensify the education programs on HIV/AIDS prevention methods.

Knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on effectiveness of condom use in prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health problem affecting every region of the world, the higher prevalence and mortality rate of STIs in developing countries of the world, like Nigeria, make them serious public health issues in this region. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on the role of condom (both male and female condoms) as a preventive measure against STIs during heterosexual and homosexual intercourse. Data was collected from participants selected from the northern and southern Nigeria using self-administered questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Knowledge of condom efficacy in STI prevention was satisfactory. However, knowledge and practice of the correct use of condom was poor. Only 47.1% of the 102 participants in this study reported correct condom use of wearing condoms before staring intercourse and removing condoms after ejaculation. As a strategy to include the experiences, knowledge and perception of men who have sex with men, this study asked the question on condom use during anal sex. Only 24.4% of the male participants indicated they have never had anal sex while for females, the percentage was more than half (53.5%). Condom use during anal sex was low with only 20.6% of participants reporting condom use during anal sex. Negative perceptions about condom use - such as that condom use promotes sexual promiscuity, and not using condoms with steady sexual partners - were significant in this study. Also, condom use errors were common in this study. There is a wide gap in knowledge of correct condom use in this population. There is need for interventions that address the issue of condom use during anal and same-sex sexual intercourse in this population.

AIDS awareness and associated factors among men in Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007

Awareness is the key to prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is important to identify associated factors and the aim of the present paper was to explore AIDS awareness among the country representative male population in Bangladesh along with identifying the associated factors. To assess the AIDS awareness among ever-married men in Bangladesh, this study used data extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007. Of the 3771 ever-married men included in the study, most were Muslims (89.8%) and from rural areas (61.7%). Of the respondents, 85.9% had ever heard of AIDS. More than 70% of the respondents reported that a healthy looking person can have HIV, a person can get AIDS by using unsterilized needle or syringe and a person can get AIDS through unsafe blood transfusions, but always using condoms during sex and having single sex partner who has no other partner might reduce chances of getting AIDS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that AIDS awareness was strongly and positively associated with education of the respondents, varied significantly across different parts of the country. AIDS awareness was higher among urban residents than rural, and among them who had access to newspaper or magazine, television and radio than those who had not. AIDS awareness may be further increased providing easy access to education, mass-media, and promotion of condom use for prevention of AIDS in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21630 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 1-13

Effectiveness of ART and condom use for prevention of sexual HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundConsistent and correct condom use and suppressive antiretroviral therapy for the infected partner are two of the primary strategies recommended for prevention of heterosexual HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples today. The applied effectiveness of treatment as a prevention strategy in China is still under investigation, and much less is known about its effects in the presence of other prevention strategies such as consistent condom use.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in PubMed and three Chinese language databases to identify relevant articles for the estimation of relative effectiveness of a) consistent condom use and b) ART use by index partners for preventing HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. We also estimated the prevention effectiveness of ART stratified by condom use level and the prevention effectiveness of consistent condom use stratified by ART use level.ResultsPooled results from the eleven eligible studies found a pooled HIV seroconversion incidence of 0.92 cases per 100 person years (PY) among HIV-negative spouses whose index partners were taking ART versus 2.45 cases per 100 PY in untreated couples. The IRR comparing seroconversion in couples where the index-partner was on ART versus not on ART was 0.47 (95%CI: 0.43, 0.52), while stratified by condom use, the IRR was 0.33(0.17,0.64). The IRR comparing incidence in couples reporting “consistent condom use” versus those reporting otherwise was 0.02(95%CI:0.01,0.04), after stratified by ART use level, the IRR was 0.01(95%CI: 0.00, 0.06).ConclusionsART use by index partners could reduce HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples, and the effectiveness of this prevention strategy could be further increased with consistent condom use.

Condom use in prevention of Human Papillomavirus infections and cervical neoplasia: systematic review of longitudinal studies

Based on cross-sectional studies, the data on protection from Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections related to using male condoms appear inconsistent. Longitudinal studies are more informative for this purpose. We undertook a systematic review of longitudinal studies on the effectiveness of male condoms in preventing HPV infection and cervical neoplasia. We searched PubMed using MeSH terms for articles published until May 2013. Articles were included if they studied a change in non-immunocompromized women's cervical HPV infection or cervical lesion status along with the frequency of condom use. In total, 384 abstracts were retrieved. Eight studies reported in 10 articles met the inclusion criteria for the final review. Four studies showed a statistically significantly protective effect of consistent condom use on HPV infection and on regression of cervical neoplasia. In the remaining four studies, a protective effect was also observed for these outcomes, although it was not statistically significant. Consistent condom use appears to offer a relatively good protection from HPV infections and associated cervical neoplasia. Advice to use condoms might be used as an additional instrument to prevent unnecessary colposcopies and neoplasia treatments in cervical screening, and to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

P3.381 Knowledge and Attitude Towards HIV/AIDS Among Post-Secondary School Malaysian Urban Youths

BackgroundPost secondary school, young people may continue to study or will seek work opportunities. They are exposed to a different environment which may influence their knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS....

Idosos: associação entre o conhecimento da aids, atividade sexual e condições sociodemográficas

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre o conhecimento da Aids, atividade sexual e condições sociodemográficas em idosos participantes de programa de educação permanente de Universidade do Nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, realizado de março a julho de 2006, com amostra equivalente a 165 idosos, selecionados por amostragem casual simples. A coleta dos dados foi feita mediante entrevista semiestruturada. A variável dependente - conhecimento da Aids - incluiu conceito da doença, prevenção, transmissão, agente etiológico, existência de tratamento e impossibilidade de cura. Dados sociodemográficos e atividade sexual corresponderam às variáveis independentes. Na análise estatística utilizou-se o programa SPSS, versão 13.0, com aplicação dos testes de independência X² de Pearson e o X² de Kendall, adotando-se o valor de p&lt;0,05 para a rejeição da hipótese nula. RESULTADOS: As respostas incompletas e incoerentes quanto ao conhecimento e transmissão corresponderam a 71,5% e 52,7%, respectivamente. O uso do preservativo foi citado por 56,9% como meio de prevenção, e 66% referiram existir tratamento e 66,7%, ausência de cura para a doença. O agente etiológico foi identificado por 64%. Quanto aos dados sociodemográficos e atividade sexual; idade 59,3% (60-69 anos), escolaridade 72% (mais de nove anos de estudo), estado civil 34,5% (casados), renda 45,5% (2-4 salários mínimos), 24,8% com atividade sexual. Verificada associação significante (p&lt;0,01) entre o conhecimento da Aids e a escolaridade. CONCLUSÕES: Ainda que os resultados não possam ser extrapolados para a população idosa em geral, pode-se supor que o nível de conhecimento sobre a Aids ainda é precário, destacando-se a importância da escolaridade.

Prevalence of, and awareness about, sexually transmitted infections among males in Delhi

The article of Garg et al. in this journal contributes to the literature on sexually transmitted infections in the Indian subcontinent by assessing the level of awareness about sexually transmitted infections in a community sample. The novel sampling method using a health camp recruited only males and had a relatively small number of participants who were mainly monogamous. This sampling bias may account for the relatively low awareness of symptoms attributable to sexually transmitted infections. An even more alarming finding was the fact that less than 40% of the participants were aware that condoms could prevent sexually transmitted infections. This should prompt the relevant health promotion campaigns focusing on the advantages of condom use for prevention of common sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection. Risk reduction interventions should remain a vital aspect of sexual health promotion; and in societies where womens power to maintain a monogamous relationship may be compromised a greater emphasis should be placed on targeting men in sexual health promotion campaigns. This study adds to the evidence base available on the level of knowledge of the general population in this area and highlights the need to focus health promotion campaigns on men as well as women. (full text)

Multi-media campaign exposure effects on knowledge and use of condoms for STI and HIV/AIDS prevention in Uganda

This study examined the influences of behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns on knowledge and use of condoms for prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections in target areas of Uganda. Data were drawn from the 1997 and 1999 Delivery of Improved Services for Health (DISH) evaluation surveys, which collected information from representative samples of women and men of reproductive age in the districts served by the DISH project. Logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between BCC exposure and condom knowledge and use, controlling for individuals' background characteristics. Results indicated that BCC exposure was strongly associated with higher condom knowledge: women and men who reported being exposed to messages in the mass media were at least twice as likely as those with no exposure to know of condoms as a mean to avoid HIV/AIDS. A dose–response effect was observed, suggesting that campaigns using multiple media channels may be most effective in improving sexual health knowledge. At the same time, certain gender differences of the influences on condom use were found, with the channel and content of messages seemingly more important in terms of instilling safer sex practices. While there was some evidence of bias of self-report, exploratory analysis of the indirect effects of communications campaigns suggested that impacts may be compounded as overall awareness is increased at the community level eventually leading to behavior change among individuals.

Risk of HIV infection in oral contraceptive pill users: a meta-analysis.

To review the literature and present a summary estimate of the association between HIV-1 acquisition or HIV-1 serostatus and oral contraceptives. MEDLINE database (January 1986-October 1997), AIDSLINE database (January 1980-October 1997), bibliographies of identified articles, and experts in the field of heterosexual HIV transmission. In all, 591 articles were examined. Twenty-eight studies provided adequate data to calculate a risk estimate for the association of HIV-1 serostatus or HIV-1 seroconversion with oral contraceptives and were selected for inclusion. The overall summary odds ratio (OR) for the association between seroprevalent or seroincident HIV-1 infection and use of oral contraceptives in the 28 studies was 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.42). The summary OR for 21 cross-sectional studies was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.01-1.44), whereas the summary relative risk for seven prospective studies was 1.32 (95% CI, 1.12-1.57). Study quality was assessed by applying a scale reflecting study design, measurement of exposure, ability to assess confounding, and publication status. The summary OR for the eight best studies was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.05-2.44). When analysis was limited to studies conducted in Africa, the summary OR was 1.45 (95% CI, 1.15-1.83) for the 14 studies overall, and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.09-2.52) for the seven best studies. This meta-analysis found a significant association between oral contraceptive use and HIV-1 seroprevalence or seroincidence. For women at risk of HIV-1 infection, oral contraceptive use for prevention of pregnancy should be accompanied by condom use for prevention of HIV-1 infection.

Condom Use for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of HIV Infection

Condom Use for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of HIV Infection