scholarly journals Psychosocial characteristics pattern correlated with HIV-related risky sexual behavior among HIV-negative men who have sex with men: a latent profile analysis.

Author(s):  
Mengxi Zhai ◽  
Zhizhou Duan ◽  
Jiawei Tian ◽  
Qingqing Jiang ◽  
Biao Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high-risky population of HIV infection due to their risk sexual behaviors. The psychosocial characteristics play an important effect on HIV-related risky behaviors. This current study aimed to explore the relationship between HIV-related risky behaviors and the latent pattern of psychosocial characteristics among HIV-negative MSM. Method Participants were recruited from Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha city from September 2017 to January 2018. The basic socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics and HIV-related risky behaviors were collected by self-administered questionnaire and standardize scales. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to create the latent classes using variables associated with HIV-related risky behaviors, including social support, reliance, sexual minority stigma, identity concealment, adverse childhood experience and depression. Results Three psychosocial characteristic patterns were revealed by the LPA. “identity concealment group” (IC group) and “ACE group” represented the highest risk profile with highest score of identity concealment and adverse childhood experience (ACE), respectively. “IC group” have a higher likelihood of one-night male partners (AOR=2.74, 95%CI=1.54, 4.90), both fixed and one-night male partners (AOR=2.01, 95%CI=1.34-3.01) and HIV-unsure male partner (AOR=2.12, 95%CI=1.44-3.13) compared with “social support and resilience group” (SR group). ACE group were more likely having inconsistent condom use (AOR=2.58, 95%CI=1.41-4.73), and having sex with HIV-positive male partner (AOR=4.90, 95%CI=1.95-12.30) with comparison of SR group. Interesting, ACE group had a higher ratio (90.0%) of inconsistent condom use among MSM whose male partners were HIV-positive. Conclusions Six important psychosocial factors were divided into three latent pattern classes. Compared with “social support and reliance group”, “identity concealment group” and “ACE group” were more likely to engage in HIV-related risky sexual behaviors. Besides mental health guidance, promoting serological disclosure of sexual partners and consistent condom use behavior is critical for MSM with higher level of identity concealment or ACE.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 443-457
Author(s):  
Zubairu Iliyasu ◽  
Hadiza S. Galadanci ◽  
Bashir Muhammad ◽  
Fatima Z. Yadudu ◽  
Aminatu A. Kwaku ◽  
...  

Background: The involvement of men in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs could accelerate the elimination of vertical transmission. Yet, little research has focused on HIV-positive male partners. This study determined predictors of male partners’ PMTCT knowledge and involvement in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. Methods: A clinic-based sample of 401 HIV-positive male partners of women who delivered within 12 months prior were interviewed using structured questionnaires. PMTCT knowledge and involvement scores were computed. Adjusted odd ratios (AOR) for predictors were derived from multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The proportion of respondents with adequate PMTCT knowledge was 40.9%. Less than half (43.6%) of the respondents participated in PMTCT, with median involvement score of 2.00 (interquartile range, IQR = 0, 5.0). One quarter of respondents (25.7%, n =103) reported >1 sex partners, 10.5% consistently used condoms, and 20.7% had disclosed to all partners. Father’s involvement in PMTCT was predicted by paternal education (AOR = 0.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.12-0.77, no formal vs. post-secondary), HIV-positive child (AOR = 3.85; 95%CI: 1.41-10.54, yes vs. no), treatment duration (AOR = 4.17; 95%CI: 1.67-10.41, ≤1 vs. ≥10 years), disclosure to partner(s) (AOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.15-3.52, ‘disclosed to all’ vs. ‘not disclosed’), condom use (AOR = 5.81; 95%CI: 3.07-11.0, always vs. never), and PMTCT knowledge (AOR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.31-0.92, inadequate versus adequate). Conclusion: The involvement of fathers in HIV PMTCT programs was low and predicted by paternal education, HIVpositive child, duration of antiretroviral treatment, disclosure to partner, consistent condom use, and level of PMTCT knowledge. Our findings will inform the development of policies to increase male partner involvement in PMTCT in Nigeria.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milene Fontana Furlanetto ◽  
Dienifer Mattos Ghedin ◽  
Tonantzin Ribeiro Gonçalves ◽  
Angela Helena Marin

AbstractAdolescent sexual practices have been widely investigated as experiences that pose potential risks for health. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate individual and contextual factors associated with sexual initiation, sexual activity before the age of 15 years, and inconsistent condom use. A total of 253 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years, from public schools in the capital and metropolitan region of Rio Grande do Sul, were interviewed. They answered a questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and sexual behaviors and completed the Perception of Family Support Inventory. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and it was verified that both individual (higher level of education, school repetition, and use of licit and illicit substances) and contextual factors (perception of less affective-consistent support and greater autonomy from the family) were related to sexual initiation among adolescents. The associations found for the groups with sexual initiation before and after 15 years of age were similar, indicating that age did not increase the exposure to risks. Inconsistent condom use was related to the use of tobacco and other drugs. Taken together, the results indicated the co-occurrence of risk behaviors, such as sexual risks and substance abuse, as well as highlighting some family characteristics as protective factors.


Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Woods ◽  
Devon J. Hensel ◽  
J. Dennis Fortenberry

Abstract Ideal partner traits and how they relate to a young woman’s current partner and relationship is a knowledge gap in the literature. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess any differences in interpersonal characteristics between a young woman or her partner and relationship and 2) to examine the impact of this difference on sexual monogamy, condom use and frequency of vaginal sex. Study participants (n=387, 14–17 years at enrollment, 90% African American) were recruited from three primary care adolescent health clinics serving areas with high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI); data were drawn from a longitudinal cohort study of sexual relationships and behaviors among young women. Nineteen interpersonal characteristics, including physical, financial, communication and personal characteristic variables, were found to have varying influences on relationships and sexual behaviors with ‘like him’ and ‘like us’ as referents. Monogamy increased as a male partner wanted to get somewhere in life [OR 5.41, (1.25, 23.52, p<0.05)], was intelligent [OR 3.42, (1.09, 10.76, p<0.05)] and had money [OR 1.55, (0.272, 0.595, p<0.001)] in a partnership; monogamy similarly increased when a partner wanted to get somewhere in life [OR 6.77, (1.51, 30.36, p<0.01)], was intelligent [OR 4.02, (1.23, 13.23, p<0.05)], and had money [OR 2.41, (1.51, 3.84, p<0.001)] compared to the young woman. The likelihood of using a condom at last sex increased when the male partner had a nice body [OR 1.42, (1.02, 1.99, p<0.05)], was popular [OR 1.60, (1.12, 2.29, p<0.01)], cared for others [OR 3.43, (1.32, 8.98, p<0.01)], was good at sports [OR 1.35, (1.06, 1.73, p<0.05)] and expressed his feelings [OR 2.03, (1.14, 3.60, p<0.01)]. The condom use ratio increased when the male partner was able to take care of himself [OR 0.076, (0.017, 0.136, p<0.01)], was cute [OR 0.190, (0.082, 0.30, p<0.001)], and had a nice body [OR 0.044, (0.001, 0.09, p<0.05)] in a dyad; the condom use ratio also increased when a male partner could take care of himself [OR 0.091, (0.014, 0.168, p<0.05)], was cute [OR 0.194, (0.077, 0.311, p<0.001)] compared to the young woman. Coital frequency increased when the male partner was described as being able to take care of himself [OR 3.33, (0.138, 6.52, p<0.05)]. Such influences are important in discussions with young women regarding personal and partner choices in sexual health as partners, behaviors and motivations for choice frequently change.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-233
Author(s):  
Olga Pysmenna ◽  
Stan Korotchenko ◽  
Su-I Hou

Unprotected anal sex is one of the highest-risk sexual behaviors associated with high rates of STIs. College students often engage in sexual risky behaviors without consistently using condoms. This study examined predictors of condom use among students who engaged in anal sex (n = 242) at an American Southeastern university. Using a convergent research design, researchers used both quantitative and qualitative data to answer the research question. The quantitative data showed that partner communication and gender were statistically significant predictors of condom use. Qualitative results indicated the importance of communication between partners and knowledge of a partner’s HIV status. Qualitative data also revealed that experiential attitudes are an important factor of condom non-use in anal sex. Merged results illustrated that students tend not to use condoms during anal sex overall and the importance of communication between partners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 504-511

Objective: To demonstrate the factors why Thai human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected heterosexual couples choose to use, or not to use, condoms. Materials and Methods: At the Siriraj Female sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Clinic, HIV-infected women who had two or more visits between February 2016 and December 2017 were invited to participate in a qualitative study. To participate, both the man and woman must be 18 years or older, having regular sexual relations during the previous six months, and be aware of their partner’s serostatus. Twenty couples that reported 100% condom use and 20 couples reporting less than 100% condom use were included. Each couple was interviewed together and individually. Sociodemographic characteristics, reasons behind condom use, and perceptions regarding condom use were compared. Results: On average, the HIV-infected women were 35 years old and their partners were two years older. Each woman reported having one current partner. Of them, 35% (14/40) were serodiscordant and 70% (28/40) had children during the relationship. Women with inconsistent condom use reported less frequent sexual activity, a longer time since HIV diagnosis, and were more likely to have an HIV-seropositive partner (p<0.05 for all). Both women and men reported that the most common reason for inconsistent condom use was ‘unavailability or inadequate effort to find one’. The second most common reason women reported was ‘partner’s rejection’ while male partners stated ‘less sexual sensation’ followed by ‘feeling not natural’. Conclusion: Unavailability is the most commonly reported reason for inconsistent condom use in Thai HIV-infected women and their partners. Male partners’ concern about reduced sexual sensation and their rejection of condom use strongly influences protective behaviors. Keywords: Condom use, Human immunodeficiency virus, Reason, Thai HIV-infected couples


Author(s):  
Adam Hill ◽  
Benjamin Bavinton ◽  
Gregory Armstrong

This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with inconsistent condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) who use gay mobile geo-social networking applications (gay mobile apps) in Greater Tokyo. Among a sample of 1657 MSM recruited through advertisements on gay mobile apps, inconsistent condom use was reported by over one-third (37%) of participants with regular male partners, 18% with casual male partners, and 20% with female partners. In multiple regression analysis, inconsistent condom use with both regular and casual male partners was more commonly reported among participants without a university education, and among participants reporting lower self-efficacy for safer sex. Inconsistent condom use with casual male partners was more commonly reported among participants living in the central 23 wards of Tokyo. Inconsistent condom use with regular male partners was more commonly reported among participants who identified as a member of the gay community, and who only had male partners. These results indicate that a substantial proportion of Greater Tokyo gay mobile app users use condoms inconsistently, particularly with regular partners, and may be at risk for HIV. This paper provides useful information to help design tailored strategies to reduce inconsistent condom use.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Vizevize Zulu

The purpose of this study is to investigate and bring out the factors that affect use of the female condom among sexually active women in Chongwe District. The female condom even though widely publicised still remains the least used method of contraception. Based on the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey Statistics, in Zambia alone, use only counts for an alarming 2 per cent of the total women population (Demographic & Health Survey 2007). This highlights the fact that use among women is very low and this article investigates why use is low. The study establishes what factors affect use and the study takes place in Chongwe District which provides a fair and general representation of the country’s population. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the present study. A Descriptive case study method was employed in the study. This method was used because it looks at individuals, groups, institutions, methods and materials in order to describe, compare, contrast, classify, analyse and interpret the entities and the events that constitute their various fields of enquiry. A sample of 250 Chongwe residents both male and female was selected from both Chongwe and Kanakantapa Wards. A Cluster sampling method was employed to select the two Wards Chongwe and Kanakantapa. A list was obtained from organisations (markets, schools, hospitals, council and police) and a sampling frame created. Simple random technique was used to select the total sample of 250 residents. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data. This method is appropriate and used because it enables the researcher avoid biases in collecting data and to have a full picture of what is really happening concerning the activities surrounding the use of the female condom. The results show that attitudes, perceived barriers, knowledge and male partner influence all have an effect on female condom use. It was also found that attitudes towards female condom use were very poor in Chongwe district. The majority (46.7%) were not interested in the female condom at all with only (20%) showing interest and (33.3%) not sure whether or not they liked it or accepted it. The response on knowledge on the other hand was very positive with 70 per cent claiming to have knowledge of the female condom and only 30 per cent having no idea at all. This result proves that knowledge of the female condom still remains high. The Demographic and Health Survey states that knowledge is at 65.8 per cent for women and 65.6 per cent for men (Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2007). Barriers such as price of the commodity, scarcity, victimisation proved to negatively affect female condom use in the district. Forty-five per cent said the commodity was scarce with 10 per cent saying it was expensive. Forty per cent said they were victimised by their male partners with five per cent claiming they were victimised by their fellow females. Male partners influence towards the use of the female condom was also found to have an effect on female condom use. While 77.8 per cent of the female respondents said their male partners refused to discuss use of the female condom and 22.2 per cent had their male partners agree to discuss use of the female condom. Female condom use in Zambia is a matter that still requires stakeholders’ involvement. Workshops and awareness activities must be increased so as to cover all areas including the remotest of places. Distribution of the female condom has to be increased worldwide for it to compete with the already established male condom. Only then can the female condom compete neck to neck with the male condom. Sensitisation campaigns too would play a major role in teaching male folk that the female condom can protect both male and female. Counselling helps overcome women’s initial difficulties in using the device. Directing promotional campaigns to men and providing women with negotiation skills are important to overcome men’s resistance to use of condoms. Over time, the use of the female condom has concentrated among a subset of women or couples with high motivation to use it; and since the female condom is a relatively new method, initial interest and demand has to be generated (WHO, 1997). This fight needs the input and influence of churches whose involvement could be very effective.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhizhou Duan ◽  
Liyin Wang ◽  
Menglan Guo ◽  
Changmian Ding ◽  
Danqin Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: While a growing number of studies focus on men who have sex with men (MSM), they typically ignore the heterogeneity of gender minorities within the MSM population. The recognition of new sub-groups among gender minorities (i.e., transgender and gender non-conforming), who also identify as MSM, play a considerable role in new HIV infections in China. Information on the psychosocial factors and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors requires further consideration to understand the prevalence of HIV infection among MSM within these gender minority sub-groups.Methods: From September 2017 to January 2018, MSM were recruited in Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha cities in China. Participants were asked to fill out a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess depression, perceived social support, resilience, identity concealment, and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors. Results: A total of 715 MSM completed the structured questionnaire, the number of gender minorities identifying as MSM were 63 and accounted for 8.8% of the population. Compared to the cisgender MSM population, transgender MSM were more likely to have a one-night stand/occasional partners (AOR= 3.49, 95% CI =1.02-11.98), to have sex after drug use in the past six months (AOR=2.57, 95%CI =1.05-6.29), and to have reported a significantly lower likelihood of identity concealment (mean difference=-3.30, 95%CI=-5.86, -0.74, P=0.01).Conclusions: The findings highlight the significance of providing targeted interventions for different gender minorities within the MSM population. Research is required to further understand the relationship between gender identity, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-302
Author(s):  
Laura M. Ruegsegger ◽  
Melissa Stockton ◽  
Vivian F. Go ◽  
Hannah Piscalko ◽  
Dylane Davis ◽  
...  

Lack of social support and sex work stigma may hinder STI/HIV prevention for female sex workers (FSW). We explored the associations between sex work stigma and social support with sexual behaviors in Malawi. In 2017, 150 HIV-negative, venue-based FSW completed a behavioral survey containing sex work stigma items and social support. Linear binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence differences of inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex by social support and stigma. A majority (93%) reported sex work–related internalized stigma. About 50% reported family or friend isolation. Social support was high (mean index: 86.53). Inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex had little to no association with stigma and social support. Malawian FSW largely internalize stigma and experience isolation from family and friends yet have high levels of social support. Large-scale evaluations should investigate the role of stigma and social support in STI/HIV prevention for FSW.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiemeka Onyeze-Joe ◽  
Isabelle Godin

Abstract Background Given the importance of paternal involvement in maternal care, there is need to prepare first-time fathers to actively participate in pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria. This study explores the experiences and needs of first-time fathers and the influence of these on their involvement during pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria. Methods Semi structured interviews were conducted with 50 men recruited from workplaces, health centers, and markets in rural and urban settings in south-east Nigeria. Using an interview guide, questions were asked to explore the needs of first-time fathers and understand how their needs influenced their involvement during pregnancy and childbirth. Data was transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Six major themes were identified pertaining to the experiences and needs of male partners experiencing pregnancy and childbirth for the first time. Inexperience, cultural beliefs and perception of gender norms influenced the most the support male partners were able to give to their spouses and the support received from their social support networks. Two main needs were identified: the need to be informed and the need to know about the cost of care in health settings. The male partners revealed how the information obtained during this crucial time impacted their choices and decisions. Conclusion Male partners experiences revealed the influence of gender norms, beliefs, and social support on male partner involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. First time fathers need more information and attention and this study presents insights into what local health settings can do to ensure their informational needs are met. Keywords: male involvement, first-time fathers, pregnancy, Nigeria


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