Understanding the influences on condom use among men and women living with HIV is critical to tailoring sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevention efforts.
The present study is a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional survey that including 255 women and 220 men who were sexually active, HIV-positive, and attending HIV care visits. The study estimated adjusted prevalence ratios to evaluate factors associated with consistent condom use and use at last coitus for men and women in separate models.
Consistent use also increased with more extended ART use. Among men: 51% and 69% reported consistent condom use and condom use at last coitus. For men, the ability to refuse sex without condoms was associated with constant use and use at last coitus. Believing that condoms should be used with other contraception was associated with consistent use.
Our findings demonstrate ongoing low condom utilization among HIV-positive individuals and highlight that ART and contraceptive use do not deter condom use. Efforts to increase condom utilization must recognize individual-level factors that influence the use and focus on relationship dynamics and promotion of empowerment and self-efficacy.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/44/1/1.2
