Condom use motivations and selected behaviours with new versus established sex partners

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Robin R. Milhausen ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Pregnancy Prevention ◽  
Personal Digital Assistants ◽  
Vaginal Intercourse ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Single Event ◽  
The Past ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Objective To compare condom use motives and behaviours in the context of penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) with new versus established sexual partners, using daily event-level data among a clinic-recruited sample. Methods: Participants (ages 15–65 years old) were recruited from five sexually transmissible infection (STI) clinics in three United States cities. They were provided with personal digital assistants and instructed to respond to daily questionnaire items regarding PVI events from the past 24 h. Generalised estimations equations were used to make inferences on age-adjusted estimated odds ratios, comparing events occurring with established versus new partners. Results: For males, pregnancy prevention was a more common motivation for condom use in new relationships (P < 0.001). Males with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.005) and also reported fewer errors or problems in condom use with new sex partners (P < 0.001). For females, pregnancy prevention (P = 0.03), STI acquisition (P < 0.001) and STI transmission (P = 0.005) were more likely to be motives for condom use with new versus established partners. Also, females with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.001) as well as using multiple condoms during a single event (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Event-level findings suggest that condom use motivations and behaviours vary depending on whether PVI occurs between established versus new sex partners. Condom use is more likely for PVI with new partners, but other condom-associated behaviours and motivations differ between females and males.

scholarly journals Decision making over condom use during menses to avert sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Independent Decision ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Do So

Background The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.

Homosexual experience and recent homosexual encounters: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background The aim of this study is to describe homosexual experience and characteristics of recent homosexual encounters among Australian adults and identify changes between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years and the participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated the number of same-sex partners they had had in their lifetime and in the last 12 months. Those who reported any homosexual experience were asked the age at which this first occurred and about characteristics of the first and most recent homosexual encounter. Results: Reporting ever having same-sex experience was more common in women (13.5%) than in men (6.5%, P < 0.001). Among these people, men reported more lifetime and recent same-sex partners than women (P < 0.001). Same-sex experience was associated with some but not all indices of higher socioeconomic status. In men, it was associated with living in a major city (P = 0.02) and in women, it was associated with younger (<30 years) age and with very low income (P < 0.001). Men were younger than women at their first homosexual encounter (P = 0.005). Women were more likely than men to have their first same-sex encounter with a regular partner. For women but not men, there was a significant increase in the proportion reporting same-sex experience since 2001–02. Conclusion: Same-sex experience is not uncommon and is increasing in prevalence in young Australian women. The high number of same-sex partners among homosexual and bisexual men places them at greater risk of sexually transmissible infection.

Pending research issues in male condom use promotion

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Crosby ◽  
Lee Warner
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination ◽  
Vaginal Microbicides ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Protective Behaviour ◽  
Mass Marketing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Sufficient evidence has accumulated to warrant the expansion of condom use research in several additional directions. Possible risk compensation pertaining to human papillomavirus vaccination and vaginal microbicides is one example. A second area of needed research involves the question of when couples can be advised to safely discontinue condom use given that ‘lifelong’ condom use is not a realistic goal for most people. A third example is intensified research designed to identify more effective means of mass marketing condoms and their use as a health-protective behaviour. As the AIDS and sexually transmissible infection pandemics persist, intensified condom promotion research is an ethical imperative.

Assortative sexual mixing patterns in male–female and male–male partnerships in Melbourne, Australia: implications for HIV and sexually transmissible infection transmission

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Tim R. H. Read ◽  
Matthew G. Law ◽  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Mixing Patterns ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Assortative mixing patterns have become a new and important focus in HIV/sexually transmissible infection (STI) research in recent years. There are very limited data on sexual mixing patterns, particularly in an Australian population. Methods: Male–female and male–male partnerships attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) between 2011 and 2014 were included. Correlation of age between two individuals within a partnership was examined by using Spearman’s rank correlation. The Newman’s assortativity coefficient was used as an aggregate quantitative measurement of sexual mixing for number of partners and condom use. Results: 1165 male–female and 610 male–male partnerships were included in the analysis. There was a strong positive correlation of age in both male–female (rho = 0.709; P < 0.001) and male–male partnerships (rho = 0.553; P < 0.001). The assortative mixing pattern for number of partners was similar in male–female (r = 0.255; 95% CI: 0.221–0.289) and male–male partnerships (r = 0.264; 95% CI: 0.218–0.309). There was a stronger assortative mixing pattern for condom use in male–male (r = 0.517, 95% CI: 0.465–0.569) compared with male–female (r = 0.382; 95% CI: 0.353–0.412) partnerships. Conclusion: Male–female and male–male partnerships have a high assortativity mixing pattern for age, number of partners and condom use. The sexual mixing pattern is not purely assortative, and hence it may lead to increased HIV and STI transmission in certain risk groups.

scholarly journals Seasonal variations in kissing and sexual activities among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: implications for seasonal sexually transmissible infection preventions and interventions

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Lenka A. Vodstrcil ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Male Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Previous studies have shown that there is a peak in sexually transmissible infection (STI) cases and sexual activities around summer, but there has been no study examining whether kissing also follows a similar seasonal pattern. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal patterns of kissing and sex partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A short cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants were asked to report the number of kissing-only, sex-only and kissing-with-sex male partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of male partners was calculated and stratified by Australia’s seasons. The seasonal trend in the number of partners was assessed by negative binomial regression models. Results: In total, 4391 MSM were included in the analysis. The number of kissing-only and sex-only partners increased significantly from autumn to summer among MSM in Melbourne (Ptrend &lt;0.001). MSM reported the highest number of male partners for kissing-only (mean: 4.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.78–5.04) and sex-only (mean: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.83–1.99) around summer compared with other seasons. However, the number of kissing-with-sex partners remained stable across seasons. Conclusions: The study data suggest that there is a peak in kissing-only and sex-only partners among MSM around summer and holiday seasons.

Corrigendum to: Decision making over condom use during menses to avert sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Independent Decision ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Do So

Background:The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.

Aboriginal women's stories of sexually transmissible infection transmission and condom use in remote central Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid M. Stark ◽  
Alex Hope
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Sociocultural Context ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Central Australia ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates are persistently high in central Australia, creating conditions for a potential HIV pandemic in the area. There is a shortage of qualitative research examining the underlying factors affecting STI transmission in this region. The present study investigates Aboriginal women’s current levels of knowledge regarding STI and their transmission, perception of risk for STI, patterns of condom use, access to condoms and experiences of condom negotiation with their partners. It also explores the sociocultural context of their sexual health. Methods: The present study used qualitative methods with a semistructured questionnaire. Twenty-four women aged 18–35 years from one remote central-Australian Aboriginal community were recruited. Results: The results revealed poor understandings of STI transmission, limited access to condoms and low levels of condom use despite a high perception of risk to STI. They also identified specific issues facing these women regarding the sociocultural context of their condom use, their access to condoms and the transmission of STI. The perceived effects of alcohol abuse, infidelity, sexual assault and shame on the acquisition of STI were significant issues for the women. Conclusion: This research has identified an urgent need for further qualitative research into the sociocultural factors that facilitate the spread of STI among Aboriginal people of remote central Australia. Implications include the need to increase their knowledge regarding STI and STI transmission, to increase women’s access to condoms and to incorporate the teaching of skills to deal with sexual assault and violence into sexual-health education.

scholarly journals Problems with condoms may be reduced for men taking ample time to apply them

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Pregnancy Prevention ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Past ◽  
Prevention Messages ◽  
Specific Analysis ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sales Company ◽  
Vaginal Sex

Background: One potentially important antecedent of experiencing problems with condom use during penile-vaginal sex is the amount of time that men (and perhaps women) allow for condom application. To examine whether men reporting that ample time was available to apply a male condom (the last time a condom was used for penile-vaginal sex) were also less likely to report problems with condom use such as breakage, slippage and erection difficulties during that sexual event. Methods: A convenience sample of men (n = 440) was recruited via advertisements in newspapers (two urban and one small town) and a blog on the website of a condom sales company. Men completed a questionnaire posted on the website of The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. Inclusion criteria were that participants were: at least 18 years old; used condoms for penile-vaginal intercourse in the past 3 months; and able to read English. Results: In controlled, event-specific analyses, men reporting that they did not have sufficient time for condom application were ~three times more likely to report breakage and ~2.4 times more likely to report slippage. In addition, men who reported that they lacked time for condom application were ~2.4 times more likely to experience any of nine sexual problems, 3.4 times more likely to report difficulty with erection, 2.1 times more likely to report reduced sexual pleasure, 2.2 times more likely to report reduced sexual pleasure of their female partner and 2.6 times more likely to report that the condom irritated their partner’s vagina. Conclusions: This is the first study using an event-specific analysis to examine the effect of not having enough time for condom application on condom breakage, slippage and several outcomes related to sexual pleasure. Sexually transmissible infections and pregnancy prevention messages should include recommendations to men to take their time applying condoms.

Assessing spatial gaps in sexually transmissible infection services and morbidity: an illustration with Texas county-level data from 2007

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwame Owusu-Edusei ◽  
Sonal R. Doshi
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
County Level ◽  
Socioeconomic Characteristics ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
Texas County ◽  
Level Data ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background In the United States, sexually transmissible infection (STI) and family planning (FP) clinics play a major role in the detection and treatment of STIs. However, an examination of the spatial distribution of these service sites and their association with STI morbidity and county-level socioeconomic characteristics is lacking. We demonstrate how mapping and regression methods can be used to assess the spatial gaps between STI services and morbidity. Methods: We used 2007 county-level surveillance data on chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and syphilis. The geocoded STI service (STI or FP clinic) locations overlaid on the Texas county-level chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis morbidity map indicated that counties with high incidence had at least one STI service site. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between having STI services and county-level socioeconomic characteristics. Results: Twenty-two percent of chlamydia high-morbidity counties (>365 out of 100 000); 32% of gonorrhoea high-morbidity counties (>136 out of 100 000) and 23% of syphilis high-morbidity counties (≥4 out of 100 000 and at least two cases) had no STI services. When we controlled for socioeconomic characteristics, high-morbidity syphilis was weakly associated with having STI services. The percent of the population aged 15–24 years, the percent of Hispanic population, the crime rate and population density were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with having STI services. Conclusion: Our results suggest that having an STI service was not associated with high morbidity. The methods used have demonstrated the utility of mapping to assess the spatial gaps that exist between STI services and demand.

Condom use in the context of sex research: a commentary

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia A. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Arousal ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Sex Research ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

This commentary highlights some recent trends in sex research that have particular relevance for research on condom use, including studies investigating the meaning of sexual arousal, desire and pleasure; a focus on couple-level investigations; and the relevance of individual differences and personality characteristics to sexual risk-taking. Although historically, sexuality-related issues have received little systematic attention in the field of public health, researchers are now paying more attention to the role of pleasure and sexual arousal in condom use. It is argued that a better integration of findings from the area of sex research into the HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) field is needed to develop and improve programs to reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

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