Perceptions about sexual risk, HIV and HIV-testing in Cali, Colombia

Condom use and non-use among transgender women in Colombia: a qualitative analysis based on the IMB model

OBJECTIVE

Review the reasons for condom use and non-use among transgender women in Colombia based on the information, motivation and behavioral skills (IMB) model.

METHOD

Qualitative study in which an iterative process analysis was carried out. A focal group participated in person, and in-depth interviews were conducted virtually.

RESULTS

First study carried out in Colombia on condom use among transgender women under the IMB model. The information component finds that traditional sexual education does not have a positive impact. Regarding motivational aspects, the importance of family support and follow-up and community-based organizations to motivate sexual health care and condom use is highlighted. Regarding behavioral skills, it was found that distrust towards sexual partners and the acquisition of condoms promote their use.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to create spaces for sexual education delivered by and for the LGBTIQ population, followed by the medical knowledge of health centers, to have positive impacts on the sexual health of transgender women; studies with sexual partners of transgender women are encouraged in order to know the reasons why they request the non-use of condoms.

Risky Sexual Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Motivations, and Mental Health among Heterosexual Women and Men Who Practice Sexualized Drug Use in Spain

Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been poorly studied among heterosexuals. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of and gender differences in types of substances, risky sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), motivations, and psychological adjustment among heterosexual women and men who engage in SDU. The study sample consisted of 1181 heterosexuals (795 women) between 18 and 78 years old (mean age = 24.4, SD = 7.4). Approximately 12% of the participants had engaged in SDU. No differences were found in the prevalence of SDU between men and women. Alcohol, cannabis, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) were the substances most frequently used for sexual purposes. Men were significantly more likely to use MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, and erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, and they tended to have more sexual partners than women. Likewise, SDU was related to have more sexual partners, penetrative sex without a condom, practice a fetish, be diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and others STIs, and present more depression symptoms (but not with more anxiety). In conclusion, SDU was associated with poorer physical and mental health. It is, therefore, necessary to design programs aimed at reducing the incidence of the consequences of SDU on the physical and mental health of both men and women. Moreover, programs that seek to understand why these individuals engage in SDU should be undertaken.