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Zucoloto ML, Silva WRD, Silva RA, Prudencio JLG, Frazatto VDSP, Martinez EZ. Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale and psychometric properties among undergraduate students. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e06032023. [PMID: 39140542 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024298.06032023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The condom use can be influenced by psychological and sociocultural aspects, which can be modulated by individual's attitudes. The aim was to propose a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale (Short-Form CAS), describing all procedures of translation, transcultural adaptation, and psychometric properties evaluation when applied to undergraduate students. A cross sectional study was conducted among students enrolled at University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Ribeirão Preto (n = 491; 61.2% female; average age: 22 years; standard deviation: four years). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. A one-factor model with seven items exhibited good factorial validity and reliability, suggesting to be a better factorial solution of the Short-Form CAS in the sample. Few studies have been carried out on the behavioral factors associated with condom use in key populations, which can be exacerbated by a lack of appropriate scales. Therefore, the main contribution of the present study was to propose a simplified and transculturally adapted version of the Short-form CAS with some psychometric properties verified. Since the use of condoms is a component of the study of sexual risk behavior, this scale might be an option to be applied in various Brazilian population segments for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre. 14049-900. Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil.
| | - Wanderson Roberto da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição e Longevidade, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Alfenas. Alfenas MG Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Alimentos, Nutrição e Engenharia de Alimentos, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista. Araraquara SP Brasil
| | - Rafaella Alves Silva
- Escola de Enfermagem Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | | | - Vitoria de Souza Pinto Frazatto
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre. 14049-900. Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil.
| | - Edson Zangiacomi Martinez
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre. 14049-900. Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil.
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Bekele Z, Mussa I, Assefa Y, Abera N, Amerga EW, Girma A, Ayele AT, Mengesha MM. Risky sexual practice and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS in public hospitals of Kembata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072505. [PMID: 37463817 PMCID: PMC10357730 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the magnitude of risky sexual practices and associated factors among adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending antiretroviral clinics in public hospitals in Kembata Tembaro Zone, southern Ethiopia. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING A hospital-based study was conducted among adult PLHIV in the Kambata Tambaro Zone, southern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 300 men and women aged 15 years and older who had been receiving HIV/AIDS care and support in four public hospitals participated in this study. STUDY OUTCOME Risky sexual practice was the study outcome. It was defined based on responses to four items: multiple sexual partnerships, casual sex, consistent condom use and sex under the influence of alcohol. Risky sexual practice was defined based on a 'yes' response to any of the four items. RESULTS Of the adult PLHIV who were sexually active in the 6 months preceding the survey, 75.7% (95% CI: 70.5% to 80.2%) engaged in at least one risky sexual practice, with 3.3% (95% CI: 1.8% to 6.1%) engaged in three or more. A positive attitude towards condom use and being on antiretroviral therapy for over 10 years were correlated with low odds of risky sexual practices. There was a higher likelihood of risky sexual behaviour among those who kept their HIV status secret and did not bring up using a condom before sexual contact. Whereas, those with a positive attitude towards condom use had a reduced risk of engaging in risky sexual practices. CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of adult PLHIV engage in risky sexual practices. Efforts directed at removing barriers to disclosing HIV status to partners and promoting condom use discussion among sexual partners could reduce the burden of risky sexual practices and the onward transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelalem Bekele
- Clinical Governance and Quality Improvement Unit, Doctor Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital, Durame, Ethiopia
| | - Ibsa Mussa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Assefa
- Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Negash Abera
- Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Woldie Amerga
- Center of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Girma
- Clinical Governance and Quality Improvement Unit, Doctor Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital, Durame, Ethiopia
| | - Awugchew Teshome Ayele
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Merid Mengesha
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Child and Family Health Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Patterns of sexual behaviour associated with repeated chlamydia testing and infection in men and women: a latent class analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:652. [PMID: 35382799 PMCID: PMC8981706 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of acquiring Chlamydia trachomatis infection (chlamydia), so testing is promoted in these populations. Studies have shown that re-testing for chlamydia is common amongst them. We investigated how sexual risk behaviour profiles are associated with repeated testing for chlamydia. METHODS We used baseline data from a cohort of 2814 individuals recruited at an urban STI -clinic. We applied latent class (LC) analysis using 9 manifest variables on sexual behaviour and substance use self-reported by the study participants. We fitted ordered logistic regression to investigate the association of LC membership with the outcomes repeated testing during the past 12 months and lifetime repeated testing for chlamydia. Models were fit separately for men and women. RESULTS We identified four LCs for men and three LCs for women with increasing gradient of risky sexual behaviour. The two classes with the highest risk among men were associated with lifetime repeated testing for chlamydia: adjOR = 2.26 (95%CI: 1.50-3.40) and adjOR = 3.03 (95%CI: 1.93-4.74) as compared with the class with lowest risk. In women, the class with the highest risk was associated with increased odds of repeated lifetime testing (adjOR =1.85 (95%CI: 1.24-2.76)) and repeated testing during past 12 months (adjOR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.16-2.54)). An association with chlamydia positive test at the time of the study and during the participant's lifetime was only found in the male highest risk classes. CONCLUSION Prevention messages with regard to testing for chlamydia after unprotected sexual contact with new/casual partners seem to reach individuals in highest risk behaviour classes who are more likely to test repeatedly. Further prevention efforts should involve potentially more tailored sex-specific interventions taking into consideration risk behaviour patterns.
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Nguyen BT, Violette C. Condom Use at Coitarche Among Men in Non-Steady Relationships in the United States, 2006-2013. J Adolesc Health 2022; 70:127-132. [PMID: 34362645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data from 2006 to 2013, we characterized men aged 15-44 years who reported not using a condom at their first vaginal intercourse (coitarche), while in a non-steady relationship with a female partner. METHODS Men who reported ever having intercourse were asked about male and female contraceptives used at coitarche. Analysis was restricted to respondents whose first sexual relationship was reported as non-steady, thereby comprising a population for whom condoms are recommended for preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Demographic and behavioral factors were examined against condom use, with significant associations included in multivariable logistic regression. We additionally describe young men's receipt of various components of sex education prior to coitarche. RESULTS Nearly half (43%) of men aged 15-44 in the U.S. reported not using a condom at coitarche during a non-steady relationship. Among these men, coitarche was reported on average at 16 years old; more than one third (37%) endorsed mixed feelings or not wanting to have sex at the time. Older men (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.08), as with men from earlier National Survey of Family Growth cycles, were increasingly likely to have reported unprotected coitarche. Similarly, men reporting coitarche before the age of 15 (adjOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.99-2.87) or having a younger sex partner at coitarche (adjOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11-2.69) were more likely to have not used condoms. About three quarters of men received at least some form of sex education prior to coitarche. CONCLUSIONS Condomless coitarche is commonly reported among men in non-steady adolescent relationships and with mixed feelings about having sex. Condomless coitarche among these men is independently associated with initiating sex before the age of 15 and having sex with a younger female partner. These findings may guide how to structure young men's sexual education programing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Nguyen
- Section of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Caroline Violette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Norris AL, Carey KB, Guthrie KM, Rich CM, Krieger NH, Kaplan C, Carey MP. Partner Type and Young Women's Sexual Behavior: A Qualitative Inquiry. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:359-372. [PMID: 32661814 PMCID: PMC7855024 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01780-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased over recent years, particularly among young women. Partner type is believed to influence women's STI risk. However, researchers often restrict partner type to "casual" versus "committed," labels that can mask risk variability. Therefore, in this study, we identified and explored a range of sexual partner types in order to understand how young women's perceived risk and condom use intentions vary by partner type. Data were obtained during six focus groups of young women (N =25) who were recruited from a community reproductive healthcare clinic. Women described a range of monogamous and non-monogamous partner types that were distinguished based on partner regularity (i.e., whether the sexual partnership was ongoing) and personal relationship (i.e., degree of involvement outside of the sexual relationship). Women's perceived STI risk was higher and condom use intentions stronger with new partners, particularly unfamiliar partners (i.e., "one-night stand," "fuck boy"). Women identified potential harm from condom negotiation with all but the "friends with benefits" partners. However, the nature of this harm differed by partner type. Clinicians and researchers should consider how to support women in advocating for safer sexual behaviors across these partner types by understanding how partner regularity, degree of personal relationship, and emotional attachment differentially impact couples' condom use decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa L Norris
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Coro West Suite 309, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Kate B Carey
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kate M Guthrie
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Coro West Suite 309, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carla M Rich
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Coro West Suite 309, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Naomi H Krieger
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Coro West Suite 309, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Clair Kaplan
- Department of Clinical Research, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael P Carey
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Coro West Suite 309, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Choi EPH, Fong DYT, Wong JYH. The use of the Multidimensional Condom Attitude Scale in Chinese young adults. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:331. [PMID: 33032622 PMCID: PMC7545565 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attitude towards condom use is an important predictor of consistent condom use. However, this topic is an understudied area in Chinese populations, and no validated Chinese instrument is available to capture condom attitude. To fill this research gap, the present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale (MCAS) and assessed the attitudes towards condom use amongst Chinese adults aged 18–29 years old.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 500 people aged 18–29 years old were randomly recruited in Hong Kong. The primary outcome was the attitude towards condom use as measured by the UCLA MCAS. Factor structure, internal construct validity, known-group validity and internal consistency were assessed. Results Instead of the five-factor structure designed by the original developers of the MCAS questionnaire, this study proposed a novel six-factor scale: (1) Reliability and Effectiveness, (2) Excitement, (3) Displeasure, (4) Identity Stigma, (5) Embarrassment about Negotiation and (6) Embarrassment about Purchase. The internal construct validity and reliability of the new scale were high. The revised MCAS could differentiate between subgroups, including gender, sexual orientation and sexual experience. In terms of attitudes, over 40% of the participants believed that condoms are not reliable, though the vast majority of the sample did not perceive any stigma related to condom use. In addition, more than half (55.4%) of the respondents felt embarrassed to be seen when buying condoms while a quarter (25.8%) felt uncomfortable buying condoms at all. Conclusions Overall, the psychometric analysis found that attitude to condom use is culturally specific. The study also highlighted the need for more public health campaigns and interventions to help people cope with the embarrassment of purchasing condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Pui Hang Choi
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Tompkins K, Brown J, Tozay S, Reeves E, Pewu K, Johnson H, Williams G, Conneh T, Diggs J, DeMarco J, King K, McMillian D, Merenbloom C, Fischer W, Wohl DA. The impact of semen testing for Ebola virus RNA on sexual behavior of male Ebola survivors in Liberia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008556. [PMID: 32925964 PMCID: PMC7515181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual transmission of Ebola virus (EBOV) is well established and has been implicated in multiple resurgences during the West African Ebola epidemic. Given the persistence of viral RNA in semen, guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend abstinence or condom use for at least 1 year or until two semen PCR tests are negative. To better understand the impact of semen testing on sexual behavior, male EVD survivors were surveyed regarding their sexual behavior before and after semen testing. Of the 171 men who enrolled, 148 reported being sexually active following discharge from an ETU with 59% reporting episodes of condomless sex. At least one semen sample for testing was provided by 149 men and 13 of these men had EBOV RNA detected in their semen. When comparing sexual behaviors before and after semen testing, a positive semen test result had limited impact on behavior. Of those with seminal EBOV RNA detected, 61% reported no change in behavior pre- and post-semen testing with 46% engaging in condomless sex before and after testing and only 1 adopted safer sex behaviors following receipt of a positive result. Similarly, among men with undetectable EBOV in their semen, 66% reported no change in sexual behaviors with semen testing, with 55% forgoing condoms during sex. In only 11% was a negative semen result followed by abandoning condoms. There were no known sexual transmission events of Ebola virus in this cohort despite viral presence in semen during periods of condomless sex. This highlights the need to better understand the infectious potential of viral RNA persistence and determine what constitutes effective counseling for survivors and their partners. Ebola virus (EBOV) is established as a sexually transmitted infection, however there is limited information on the sexual behaviors of Ebola survivors. We surveyed a cohort of male Ebola survivors regarding sexual activity and condom use and offered semen testing to assess EBOV persistence in semen. We found that a large majority of men who were sexually active prior to contracting Ebola Virus Disease remained sexually active after their recovery with most reporting only intermittent condom use. Semen testing for the presence of Ebola virus had limited impact on sexual behaviors, with most continuing to report engaging in condomless sex whether EBOV was detected or not. This finding has implications for use of semen testing for outbreak control as well as counseling for Ebola survivors and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Tompkins
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jerry Brown
- The John F. Kennedy Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Sam Tozay
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Edwina Reeves
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Korto Pewu
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Harrietta Johnson
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Gerald Williams
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Tonia Conneh
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Joseph Diggs
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Jean DeMarco
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine King
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Darrius McMillian
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carson Merenbloom
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William Fischer
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Alain Wohl
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Mchunu GG, Naidoo JR, Ncama BP. Condom use: a less travelled route among minibus taxi drivers and their taxi queens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:658-665. [PMID: 33163028 PMCID: PMC7609093 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i2.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite significant gains in the HIV epidemic in South Africa, with reduction in mortality and elimination of vertical transmission, national HIV prevalence remains high, with women rather than men continuing to bear higher burden of the disease. Population subgroups, through ignorance, disbelief or recklessness, continue to engage in risky sexual behaviour. A substantial proportion of minibus taxi drivers engage in risky sex, seldom seeing themselves at risk for STIs or HIV/AIDS. These taxi drivers have been linked with so-called taxi queens, with whom they engage in transactional and intergenerational relationships. Objectives The study explored condom use and condom negotiation strategies among taxi drivers and taxi queens in Kwa- Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods Applying explorative qualitative design, we conducted focus group discussion and individual interviews among participants who were purposively recruited in KwaZulu-Natal. Result Qualitative data analysis revealed that condom use and negotiation are sources of conflict for the participants. In addition, the strategies employed by participants to ensure condom usage are not always sustainable and are likely to be problematic due to a variety of complex factors. Conclusion Our study concludes by recommending a nested public health response that takes cognizance of factors that promote sustainable condom use strategies among this population subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gugu G Mchunu
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Corresponding author: Gugu G Mchunu, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. 5th Floor, Desmond Clarence Building, Howard College Campus, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban. 4041.
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Orchowski LM, Yusufov M, Oesterle D, Bogen KW, Zlotnick C. Intimate Partner Violence and Coerced Unprotected Sex Among Young Women Attending Community College. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:871-882. [PMID: 31598805 PMCID: PMC7060832 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the mediating role of sexual assertiveness in the relationship between psychological, physical, and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and unprotected sex as a result of condom use resistance among sexually active young women attending community college. Women reported engagement in unprotected sex as a result of a partner's use of one of 32 forms of condom use resistance (e.g., physical force, deception, or other forms of coercion to avoid using a condom during intercourse). Women ages 18-24 years (N = 212) attending community college were recruited through paper advertisements to complete assessments of social and dating behavior in the campus computer laboratory. Only the women with a history of sexual intercourse (N = 178; 84% of the sample) were included in analyses. More frequent engagement in unprotected sex as a result of a partner's condom use resistance was associated with physical, psychological, and sexual IPV victimization. Sexual assertiveness mediated the relationship between physical IPV victimization and the frequency of unprotected sex as a result of condom use resistance. Efforts to prevent dating violence and enhance the sexual health of community college women may benefit from focusing on targeting sexual assertiveness as a protective factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 146 West River Street, Suite 11B, Providence, RI, 02904, USA.
| | - Miryam Yusufov
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Oesterle
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine W Bogen
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Caron Zlotnick
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Providence, RI, USA
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Dias S, Gama A, Loos J, Roxo L, Simões D, Nöstlinger C. The role of mobility in sexual risk behaviour and HIV acquisition among sub-Saharan African migrants residing in two European cities. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228584. [PMID: 32023309 PMCID: PMC7001961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants from high endemic countries accounted for 18% of newly diagnosed HIV infections in Europe in 2017. Knowledge on the link between HIV risk and post-migration travels and their impact on HIV acquisition is scarce, but critical to inform prevention. This study aims to explore risky sexual behaviour and HIV-acquisition among sub-Saharan African migrants, and to assess post-migration mobility as a determinant of sexual risk behaviour. METHODS Data from two cross-sectional bio-behavioural surveys to assess HIV-prevalence conducted in Lisbon and Antwerp were analysed to explore migration-related characteristics, travel patterns, and sexual risk taking in the host country and abroad. Bi- and multivariate associations were estimated through adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals; multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with condomless sexual intercourse. RESULTS Among N = 1508 participants above 18 years (58% males), 68% travelled post-migration (49.2% reported intercourse abroad). The overall proportion of condomless sex at last sexual intercourse was high (68.1%). The odds of condomless sex in the host country was five times higher when the last sexual intercourse abroad was also condomless [OR:5.32; 95%CI:2.98-9.25]. About half of the travellers reported concurrency, i.e. a regular partner in the host country while having other sexual partners abroad. Almost three percent of the participants reported being HIV+, but 5% had a reactive HIV test-result, with similar proportions among travellers and non-travellers. Also, among the n = 75 participants with reactive HIV test-results, condomless sex occurred (n = 40) and was associated with mobility. CONCLUSIONS Sub-Saharan African migrants are mobile and engage in sexual risk behaviours in the countries of residence and while travelling, increasing risk of post-migration HIV-acquisition. A transnational perspective on HIV prevention and sexual health promotion is needed for effectively reducing migrants' HIV risk related to their mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Dias
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre & Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Gama
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre & Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jasna Loos
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luis Roxo
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre & Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Barker DH, Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Gittins Stone D, Brown LK. Using Composite Scores to Summarize Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior: Current State of the Science and Recommendations. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:2305-2320. [PMID: 31429032 PMCID: PMC6759377 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Composite scores offer the advantage of summarizing across multiple sexual risk behaviors to both simplify results and better capture the influence of core contextual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal dynamics that affect multiple sexual risk behaviors. There is inconsistency in how researchers utilize composite scores with minimal guidance on the advantages and disadvantages of frequently used approaches. Strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed in the context of assessing adolescent sexual risk behavior. A latent variable model and three commonly used composites were applied to data combined across four clinical trials (n = 1322; 50% female). Findings suggested that the latent variable approach was limited due to minimal correlations among sexual risk behaviors, that choice of composite had minimal impact on cross-sectional results so long as there is sufficient variability in risk behavior in the sample, but composite choice could impact results from clinical trials particularly for subgroup analyses. There are unique challenges to creating composites of adolescent risk behavior, including the fluidity and infrequency of adolescent sexual relationships that result in many participants reporting no sexual behavior at any given assessment and a low correlation between the number of partners and condomless sex acts. These challenges impede application of data-driven approaches to defining sexual risk composites. Recommendations to improve consistency in reporting include: (1) reporting each type of risk behavior separately prior to forming a composite, (2) aggregating across assessments to increase the chance of observing sexual risk behaviors, and (3) continued work toward a unified definition of adolescent sexual risk behavior that can guide the development of appropriate measurement models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Barker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box-G-BH, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Lori A J Scott-Sheldon
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box-G-BH, Providence, RI, 02906, USA
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Daniel Gittins Stone
- Department of Applied Psychology, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Larry K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box-G-BH, Providence, RI, 02906, USA
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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12
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Rodrigues DL, Lopes D, Conley TD. Non-monogamy agreements and safer sex behaviors: The role of perceived sexual self-control. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2019.1649299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David L. Rodrigues
- CIS-IUL, Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diniz Lopes
- CIS-IUL, Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Terri D. Conley
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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13
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Faílde Garrido JM, Ruiz Soriano L, Pérez Fernández MR, Lameiras Fernández M, Rodríguez Castro Y. Evolution of quality of life and health‐related behaviors among Spanish university students. Int J Health Plann Manage 2018; 34:e789-e801. [DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Ruiz Soriano
- Faculty of Education ScienceUniversity of Vigo (Ourense Campus) Pontevedra Spain
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14
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Quinn KG, Kelly JA, DiFranceisco WJ, Tarima SS, Petroll AE, Sanders C, Lawrence JSS, Amirkhanian YA. The Health and Sociocultural Correlates of AIDS Genocidal Beliefs and Medical Mistrust Among African American MSM. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1814-1825. [PMID: 28013400 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1657-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined social and health-related correlates of AIDS conspiracy theories among 464 African American men who have sex with men (MSM). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two subscales within the AIDS conspiracy beliefs scale: medical mistrust and AIDS genocidal beliefs. Multiple regression analyses revealed medical mistrust and AIDS genocidal beliefs were both associated negative condom use attitudes and higher levels of internalized homonegativity. Medical mistrust was also associated with lower knowledge of HIV risk reduction strategies. Finally, we conducted bivariate regressions to examine the subsample of participants who reported being HIV-positive and currently taking HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) to test associations between sexual behavior and HIV treatment and AIDS conspiracy theories. Among this subsample, medical mistrust was associated with having a detectable viral load and not disclosing HIV-status to all partners in the previous 3 months. Collectively, these findings have implications for HIV prevention and treatment for African American MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
| | - Wayne J DiFranceisco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
| | - Sergey S Tarima
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Society, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Chris Sanders
- Department of Sociology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | | | - Yuri A Amirkhanian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, USA
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15
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Senn TE, Braksmajer A, Urban MA, Coury-Doniger P, Carey MP. Pilot Test of an Integrated Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention for Women with a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3247-3259. [PMID: 28702852 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are intersecting public health problems for women. We pilot tested an integrated sexual risk reduction intervention for women with a history of CSA that addressed both the consequences of CSA [based on the Traumagenic Dynamics (TD) framework] and the antecedents of sexual risk behavior (based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills [IMB] model). Women with a history of CSA who were attending a public STI clinic (n = 84) were randomly assigned to a five-session integrated TD/IMB (experimental) group intervention or to a time-matched IMB-guided sexual risk reduction (control) group intervention. Preliminary findings indicated that women in the integrated TD/IMB intervention reduced their average number of episodes of unprotected sex with a primary partner, their alcohol use, and their likelihood of being in a violent relationship, relative to women in the IMB-only group. Our findings suggest that sexual risk reduction interventions that address both the consequences of CSA and the antecedents of sexual risk behavior may be efficacious in reducing sexual risk behavior among women who were sexually abused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E Senn
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Amy Braksmajer
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Marguerite A Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Monroe County Department of Health, Rochester, NY, 14611, USA
| | | | - Michael P Carey
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI, 02906-2853, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
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16
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Ballester-Arnal R, Ruiz-Palomino E, Gil-Llario MD. Structural Equation Modeling Test of an Integrated Model of Spanish Youth's Condom Use. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1407-1416. [PMID: 27217037 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Heterosexual transmission represents 26 % of newly diagnosed infection in Spanish youth. Behavioral change models have emphasized the influence of multiple variables to predict condom use behavior. The aim of this study is to examine how those variables are organized and which theory explains the condom use behavior better. A sample of 424 young heterosexuals (M age = 20.62; SD = 2.16) filled out a battery of self-report questionnaires for assessing AIDS-related variables, personality traits and clinical variables (general, sexuality-related and health-related). A structural model was specified that included perceived pleasure and condom use self-efficacy as predictive variables. Depression and sexual compulsivity indirectly influence behavior. The final model accounted for 65.9 % of the variance in behavior. These results highlight the importance of cognitive and emotional variables as predictors of behavior (ex. expectations of pleasure and self-efficacy beliefs). This is important information for designing effective psychological interventions.
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Cornelius T, Kershaw T. Perception of partner sexual history: Effects on safe-sex intentions. Health Psychol 2017; 36:704-712. [PMID: 28318276 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual intercourse is a dyadic activity, and intentions to engage in safe sex vary across partners. Because pregnant and newly parenting adolescents and young adults are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is important to understand sexual decision-making in this population. METHOD This cross-sectional study examined how participants' own risk behavior and their partners' risk behavior influence perceptions of partner risk, and the impact of risk perceptions on condom use intentions and monogamy intentions in 296 pregnant adolescent and young adult couples (MAgeFemale = 18.71 years; MAgeMale = 21.33 years). RESULTS Participants' behavior and their partners' behavior both related to increased perceptions of partner risk. Male participants' perceptions were more strongly influenced by female partners' behavior than participants' own behavior. Perceiving a partner as having a history of more risk behaviors trended toward a negative relationship with condom use intentions and monogamy intentions. For females, more previous sex partners related negatively to condom use intentions and positively to monogamy intentions. Having a male partner with more previous sex partners related positively to condom use intentions and monogamy intentions. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of partner risk did not significantly relate to condom use intentions and monogamy intentions, however, trends suggest that risk perception could reflect similarity bias and ongoing risk engagement. Differences in partner perception by gender suggest that females may communicate more openly about risks. Interventions to reduce STI transmission in couples should work to interrupt trajectories of risky behavior and enhance risk communication. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Talea Cornelius
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
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18
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Gilliam M, Woodhams E, Sipsma H, Hill B. Perceived Dual Method Responsibilities by Relationship Type Among African-American Male Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2017; 60:340-345. [PMID: 28065521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the extent to which African-American male adolescents perceive responsibility for contraception and condom use and to understand the perceived importance of dual method use for respondents in casual versus committed relationships. METHODS Data were collected using surveys informed by formative focus group sessions. Participants included African-American male high-school students aged 14-19 years from the Chicago's South Side. Respondents were surveyed regarding contraceptive behavioral intentions and perceived importance of dual method use. Responses were compared by relationship type. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine the association between contraception responsibility and perceiving dual method protection as important for each sexual relationship type. RESULTS Sample included 348 young men (mean age: 16.1 years; mean age at first sex: 13.8 years). Among those who had heard of condoms (99.4%) and withdrawal (90.4%), most reported liking these methods (83.7% and 53.9%). Participants were more likely to report greater responsibility within a committed relationship for all perceived contraceptive responsibilities (e.g., going with partner to get contraception). Participants were more likely to engage in conversation about pregnancy prevention with a committed partner. Among sexually active respondents, perceived contraceptive responsibility was associated with perceiving dual protection as very important (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.38). CONCLUSIONS Respondents felt partially responsible for pregnancy prevention, particularly within committed relationships, and were open to using dual protection. However, many respondents had low levels of contraception knowledge. These findings indicate that male African-American adolescents might benefit from increased education and support around contraception methods and condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Gilliam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Elisabeth Woodhams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Heather Sipsma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brandon Hill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess condom use as a function of number of coital events in newly formed sexual relationships. METHODS Participants who reported at least one new partner during the 12-week study interval (n = 115; ages 18-29 years; 48% women; 90% African American) completed weekly sexually transmitted infections testing and 3 times daily electronic diary collection assessing individual and partner-specific affect, daily activities, sexual behavior, and condom use. We analyzed event-level condom use percentage and participant-level behavior response effects. generalized additive mixed models were used to estimate condom use probability accounting for within-partner and within-participant correlations via random effects. RESULTS The average condom use probability at the first coital event in new relationships was 55% for men and 36% for women. Analyses showed that smooth shapes of estimated condom use probabilities were similar for both sexes and were fitted using generalized additive mixed models. Relatively higher condom use percentage was followed by a sharp decline during the first 9 coital events decreasing to 16% for men and 8% for women. More rapid decline in condom use among women was highly associated with higher levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The likelihood of condom use declines sharply for both men and women after the early accrual experience with a partner. Relationship and sexual satisfaction also influence declines in condom use, especially among women.
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20
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Willingness to use couples HIV testing and discussion of sexual agreements among heterosexuals. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:169. [PMID: 25897413 PMCID: PMC4395621 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-0939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Couples HIV Testing and Counseling (CHTC) has been used as an HIV prevention strategy in Africa for over 20 years where the HIV epidemic is largely concentrated among sexually active heterosexuals. In recent years, CHTC has been adapted for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US. A central element of the CHTC intervention as adapted for male couples in the US is the discussion of sexual agreements by the dyad during the CHTC session. Given the success of CHTC for heterosexual couples in Africa, it seems appropriate that CHTC could also be provided to heterosexual couples in the US. However, little is known about heterosexual’s willingness to utilize CHTC services including discussion of sexual agreements. This small, preliminary qualitative study sheds new light on the potential for CHTC adoption among heterosexuals in the US. Four focus groups were conducted with heterosexual men and women attending a publicly-funded STI clinic, to explore the potential feasibility and acceptability of CHTC with heterosexuals. The results are similar to those seen for MSM: high levels of willingness to use CHTC, perceptions of the advantages of using CHTC, and willingness to discuss sexual agreements; all necessary conditions for the successful roll-out of CHTC. Further work is now needed with larger samples of high-risk heterosexuals to more completely understand the typologies of sexual agreements and the common language used for sexual agreements in heterosexual relationships. These early data show great promise that CHTC can achieve the same levels of willingness, fit, and acceptability among heterosexual couples as currently experienced by male couples in the US.
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