Condom Use and Number of Sexual Partners among Male Syphilis Patients who Report Having Sex with Men

Objective Since the recent introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), several studies have reported a decrease in the use of condoms and a rise in STIs among users. This rise in risk behavior associated with the advent of PrEP is known as “risk compensation.” The aim of this study is to measure clinical and behavioral changes associated with the introduction of PrEP by analyzing condom use for anal intercourse, number of sexual partners, sexualized drug use and STI incidence. Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive study of PrEP users followed every 3months over a 2-year period spanning 2017–2019 in a referral clinic specializing in STI/HIV in Madrid, Spain. One hundred ten men who have sex with men and transgender women underwent regular screening for STIs and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral data were gathered for all subjects studied. Results The risk compensation observed in this study consisted primarily of a lower rate of condom use, while the number of sexual partners and recreational drug consumption remained stable. We observed a very high incidence of STIs in this sample, particularly rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia. The factors shown to be independently associated with the presence of an STI on multivariate analysis were age below 30 years and over 10 sexual partners/month. Conclusion The incidence of STI acquisition was higher than expected, indicating a need for strategies to minimize this impact, particularly among younger individuals with a higher number of sexual partners.

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Examining potential effects of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) on sexual behaviors of Chinese men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10283-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Haochu Li ◽

Ran Wei ◽

Jason J. Ong ◽

Eunsook Kim ◽

Traci L. Weinstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Condom Use ◽

Behavioral Change ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chinese Men ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background In China, non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is not a conventional service yet and nPEP related studies are very few. Recently, China’s 13th Five Year Action Plan for HIV/AIDS Containment and Prevention examines the feasibility of including nPEP as one of the national strategies for HIV prevention. However, there is a concern that nPEP use might exacerbate high-risk sexual activities. In order to facilitate a research-based policy making of routinizing nPEP services, the current study examined potential effects of nPEP use on condom use and number of sexual partners among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) . Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two cities of China in November and December 2018. Descriptive analyses of participants’ sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were conducted using SPSS 24.0. Mplus 7.4 was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Results The sample included 419 Chinese MSM with a mean age of 28.04 (SD = 9.71). Participants reported more positive anticipation of their own behaviors than other MSM’s behaviors regarding condom use and number of sexual partners if nPEP were to be routinized in China. About 60% of participants reported discrepancies between anticipated individual and population behaviors as a potential result of routinization of nPEP services. Anticipated individual behavioral change was positively related to age and duration of residence in the current city, and negatively related to education. Anticipated population behavioral change was positively related to age. Anticipated behavioral discrepancy was positively related to being ethnic minority and never married. Conclusions These findings identify a high-risk subgroup of MSM, who reported they would use condoms less and/or have more sexual partners when nPEP becomes available. This subgroup of MSM might benefit from targeted health interventions. Moreover, there is a clear discrepancy between anticipated individual and population behavioral changes regarding future routinization of nPEP services, suggesting incorporating nPEP services as a means of community development for MSM.

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Only recent sexual partners contribute to oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity: the number of sexual partners over different time periods as an indicator of gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection duration among men who have sex with men

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh17196 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 342 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

David Priest ◽

Tim R. H. Read ◽

Marcus Y. Chen ◽

Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽

Christopher K. Fairley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Centre ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Chlamydia Infection ◽

Gonococcal Infection ◽

The Past ◽

Retrospective Data Analysis ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Time Periods ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Generalised Estimating Equations

Background Mathematical models have demonstrated that the majority of gonococcal transmission is from oropharynx to oropharynx (i.e. kissing) among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the number of partners within specific time periods and gonorrhoea and chlamydia positivity. Methods: This was a retrospective data analysis of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2007 and 2016. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, with generalised estimating equations (GEE), were performed to determine if the number of partners within specified time periods was associated with site-specific gonorrhoea and chlamydia positivity. Results: There were 45933 consultations which included 15197 MSM. Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity was associated with the number of partners in the past 3 months, but not the number of partners 4–12 months ago; men who had ≥6 partners in the past 3 months had significantly higher odds of acquiring oropharyngeal gonorrhoea (aOR 1.93; 95% CI 1.61–2.31), but this was not the case for men who had ≥6 partners 4–12 months ago. Anorectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia and urethral chlamydia were associated with the number of partners in both time periods after adjusting for age and condom use. Conclusions: The association of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea with the number of recent partners, but not partners from an earlier period, unlike anorectal gonorrhoea and anorectal and urethral chlamydia, could be explained by a shorter duration of oropharyngeal gonococcal infection. Annual screening for gonorrhoea may be insufficient to materially reduce oropharyngeal prevalence.

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A longitudinal examination of risky sexual behaviors among Canadian and Italian adolescents: Considering individual, parental, and friend characteristics

International Journal of Behavioral Development ◽

10.1177/0165025408098036 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 265-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Marie-Aude Boislard P. ◽

François Poulin ◽

Jeff Kiesner ◽

Thomas J. Dishion

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Condom Use ◽

Problem Behaviors ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Parenting Practices ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽

Antisocial Behaviors ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Italian Adolescents

In this study, two longitudinal models of early adolescent risky sexual behaviors (RSB) were compared using a pooled sample of 267 Canadian and Italian adolescents (55% females; 53% Canadians) assessed yearly from grade 8 to 10. We focused on parenting practices (monitoring, control, limit setting), adolescent problem behaviors (antisocial behaviors, substance use) and their friends' deviance (antisocial behaviors, substance use) as predictors of condom use frequency and lifetime number of sexual partners. The socialization model postulates that youths' problem behaviors and RSB are behaviors learned within the friendship network where deviancy training can occur. The selection model posits that delinquent youth tend to affiliate with each other, and that RSB is one of many behaviors that can form the basis of selection. Using structural equation modeling, this study showed that the socialization model was the most accurate to explain the emergence of RSB. A full mediation of parenting practices, passing through deviant friends and youths' problem behavior, was observed for condom use. The same process applied to number of sexual partners, but a direct effect for parenting practices was also found.

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Increase in reported gonorrhoea cases in Sweden, 2001 - 2008

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.14.34.19315-en ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 14 (34) ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

I Velicko ◽

M Unemo

Keyword(s):

Present Report ◽

Sexual Transmission ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Sexual Networks ◽

Swedish Population ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Spread Of Infection

Gonorrhoea is on the rise in Sweden and in many other European countries. The present report describes and evaluates the gonorrhoea trends in Sweden from 2001 to 2008 when an increase of 32% was reported. Up to 86% of the cases were reported in men, with the highest proportion among heterosexually infected men (41-59% during these years). Heterosexually infected men more often acquired gonorrhoea abroad, especially in Thailand, whereas women and men who have sex with men were more likely to acquire the infection within Sweden. The recent increase in gonorrhoea cases in Sweden is most likely due to adoption of more risky sexual behaviour (e.g. an increase in the number of sexual partners and the number of new/casual sexual partners and/or low use of condoms) in the Swedish population. Further research regarding more effective identification and description of sexual transmission chains and sexual networks is needed in order to follow the spread of infection and to recognise more effective interventions to prevent the spread of gonorrhoea and also other sexually transmitted infections.

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How Do Californians Define Safe Sex?

Californian Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.32398/cjhp.v4i1.738 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 109-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Joel M. Moskowitz ◽

Assunta Ritieni ◽

Maya Tholandi ◽

Qiang Xia

Keyword(s):

Sexual Behavior ◽

Condom Use ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Safe Sex ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

The Past ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

Policies And Programs

Objectives: We examined definitions of “safe sex” among adults in California, and assessed whether definitions varied by sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior. Methods: We analyzed crosssectional data from the “AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors (KABB) Survey,” a statewide telephone survey of California adults conducted in 2000. Results: The four most common definitions of safe sex were condom use (68.0%), abstinence (31.1%), monogamy (28.4%), and safe partner (18.7%). Definitions were associated with sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, and number of sexual partners in the past 12 months. Conclusions: Most adults defined safe sex in terms of condom use either alone or in conjunction with other methods. Individuals’ definitions were complex and varied across sociodemographic groups which suggest the need for policies and programs which reflect this diversity.

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Factors Associated with Having Multiple Sexual Partners among Men Who Have Sex with Men University Students in Northern Thailand

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502114010371 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 371-379

Author(s):

Eakasit Chaipin ◽

Penprapa Siviroj ◽

Thaworn Lorga ◽

Natthapol Kosashunhanan ◽

Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Northern Thailand ◽

Multiple Sexual Partners ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Sex With Men

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) university students were more likely to be infected with HIV than the general population due to various reasons, including having multiple sexual partners, having anal sex without a condom, and using alcohol and drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with multiple sexual partners among MSM university students in northern Thailand. Methods: The participants of this study were 139 MSM university students. The number of sexual partners in the last 12 months was used as the main outcome variable. Information was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. The number of sexual partners for categories of participants was described as median and interquartile range. Factors that were independently associated with multiple sexual partners were identified using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Findings showed that seeking sexual partners online (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI 3.10 - 44.29), drinking alcohol within the last 12 months (AOR=9.73; 95% CI 1.38 - 68.47), and having a self-perception of HIV risk (AOR=3.63; 95% CI 1.15 - 11.50) were independently associated with having multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: Health agencies and universities should develop strategies to promote life skills related to sexual responsibility, appropriate use of online media, and reduction of alcohol consumption among MSM university students.

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High Risk Sexually Transmitted Disease Behaviour in Canada

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/1991/935418 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 2 (suppl a) ◽

pp. 18-22

Author(s):

Noni E MacDonald

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Condom Use ◽

Hiv Risk ◽

Sexually Transmitted Disease ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Sexual Pleasure ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Street Youths

High risk sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency virus (HfV) transmission behaviour appears to be the norm, not the exception, for most adolescents. The perception of STD/HIV risk and actual risk do not always match. The major motivating factor for condom use evident in adolescents was fear of pregnancy, not fear of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or STDs. Other factors influencing decreased condom use included: embarrassment about buying condoms: difficulty discussing condoms with a prospective partner; use of oral contraceptives; belief that condoms interfere with sexual pleasure; low HIV knowledge; and, for women, a large number of sexual partners. Overall. females reported having had more STDs than males. Prostitutes, both male and female, reported the highest rates (45% and 68%, respectively). Of the street youths studied, 16% reported having at least one prior STD diagnosis, compared to 9% of school dropouts and 5% of first year college students. The number of sexual partners and participation in anal intercourse strongly inlluenced the reported STD rate for street youths. STD/HIV risk reduction educational programs must be targeted and adapted to the cultural and social needs and resources of the different adolescent groups, particularly street youth, who are clearly a 'core' group for adolescent STD.

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The Role of Objectification in College Women’s Substance Misuse and Sexual Risk

Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/26320770211054359 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 263207702110543

Author(s):

Melissa M. Ertl ◽

Jacob S. Sawyer ◽

Jessica L. Martin ◽

Rachel E. Brenner

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

College Student ◽

Condom Use ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Objectification Theory ◽

Body Shame ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Body Surveillance ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners

Sexism and objectification present major challenges for mental and physical health among women. Scholars have called for research to identify mechanisms that underlie these associations as well as to delineate factors to target in prevention and intervention efforts. This study aimed to build on central tenets of objectification theory through its examination of sexist experiences in relation to body surveillance, body shame, depressive symptoms, and the health risk behaviors of substance use (i.e., alcohol and drug misuse) and sexual risk (i.e., condom use and number of sexual partners) among a large sample of college student women. We also examined whether body surveillance, body shame, and depressive symptoms would mediate theorized pathways extended to substance use and sexual risk. A sample of 505 full-time college student women ages 18–26 completed an online survey that assessed their health and behaviors. We used structural equation modeling to test mediation hypotheses. Results largely supported hypotheses, extended objectification theory to sexual risk, and expanded upon past research on objectification in relation to substance use. Notably, results of this study provided a more nuanced knowledge of how objectification may lead to increases in sexual risk when assessed by number of sexual partners (but not condom use). Further research is warranted to understand potential explanatory pathways between sexism, objectification, and sexual risk. Findings can inform prevention and intervention efforts to target body surveillance, body shame, and depressive symptoms to attempt to reduce the burden of sexist experiences on women’s health.

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