Condom use in female sex workers in Italy.
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Adult↗
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Special report: the truth about condoms. Restrictive label could impede plastic condom sales.
You walk into a drugstore to buy a package of plastic condoms. You happen to notice the label says that no one's sure how well they protect you from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS. Then, the label indirectly points you in the direction of latex condoms. What would you do? Some observers familiar with the condom industry speculate that the restrictive labeling carried on each package of the new plastic condoms for men will not interfere with consumers' purchasing decisions. Other predict an instant replay of the situation faced by makers of the polyurethane Reality female condom: A lack of data on pregnancy rates and STD rates resulted in a label touting latex as a superior product, which in turn caused an onslaught of negative press about the first plastic condom. The US Food and Drug Administration, finding itself in a similar position with approving plastic condoms for men, recently released interim labeling to be followed by all manufacturers who want to sell the new male condoms. Essentially, the manufacturers must point out on the front of the condom box that the product is "for latex-sensitive condom users," and on the back of the box must tell a potential buyer that risks for pregnancy and STDs are not known for the product. Upon reading this disclaimer, the consumer then reads that "latex condoms for men, if used correctly with every act of vaginal intercourse, are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, as well as STDs, including AIDS (HIV infection)."
Condoms↗
Promoting condoms in Brazil to men who have sex with men.
DKT International is a non-profit social marketing enterprise whose mission is to provide safe, affordable options for family planning and STI/HIV prevention. In Brazil, DKT sells male and female condoms to mostly lower-income couples nationwide. This paper is about the introduction of a ribbed, lubricated, latex condom called Affair to the Brazilian market in 2000. Sales were initially very low, but based on reports that Affair was well liked by some men who have sex with men, we took the opportunity to give Affair that positioning. We worked with our advertising agency, a local research company and Dignidade, a Brazilian NGO working for the rights of men who have sex with men. Two new products--a baggy condom called Affair Sensation and a complimentary lubricating gel called Affair Personal Lubricant--with new packaging and a promotional campaign were launched in February 2006. The billboard advertisement generated controversy in São Paulo, where the Advertising Council required it to be taken down due to complaints. However, the controversy helped promotion and at the same time generated public debate on sexuality and human rights. Our overall experience has been positive, sales are up and we have received messages of support for the products and their promotion from consumers.
Brazil↗
Changes in sexual behavior among women in studies evaluating the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention.
BACKGROUND: Access to novel HIV prevention technologies often raise concerns of risk compensation. This analysis examined changes in the sexual behaviors of MTN 020/ASPIRE participants, a placebo controlled randomized control trial, who subsequently enrolled in MTN-025/HOPE, an open-label extension using the dapivirine vaginal ring. METHODS: Both studies enrolled healthy, sexually active, HIV-negative women from Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Longitudinal data on participants' sexual behaviors, specifically sex with a nonprimary partner (past 3 months), and use of male or female condoms at the last vaginal sex act were compared between ASPIRE and HOPE. Conditional and mixed ordinal logistic regression models evaluated associations between study and sexual behaviors at enrollment, and quarterly over the first 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 2629 individuals enrolled in ASPIRE, 1456 (55%) participated in HOPE. At enrollment, the proportion of participants who reported sex with a nonprimary partner and condom use at last vaginal sex act did not differ by study. Across all quarterly follow-up visits, sex with a nonprimary partner was more common in HOPE (13.9-18.7%) than ASPIRE (10.7-12.6%); adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.24-1.75, P < 0.001. There was no difference in condom use at the last vaginal act across all quarterly follow-up visits between ASPIRE (36.5-42.7%) and HOPE (43.6-46.7%); adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94-1.18. CONCLUSION: More women reported sex with nonprimary partners in HOPE, with little change in condom use over time between the two studies. Understanding behavior changes during PrEP use allows for tailored, holistic reproductive health programming.
Humans↗
Adolescent sexuality and disability.
Regardless of what our beliefs about sex and disability may be, as health care providers we can promote the health and well being of our patients with disabilities in several ways. First and perhaps foremost, physical and programmatic barriers to accessing general health care including routine gynecologic care must be dramatically reduced. The promise of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act must be aggressively extended to our health care system to ensure equal access to routine health care for all. Second, knowledge of community resources that can support the healthy development and exercise of responsible and satisfying sexuality is critical. For example, health care providers should know about adaptive and assistive technologies as well as the use of personal care assistants to support the healthy although sometimes nontypical expression of one's sexuality. Centers for Independent Living are community resources that are often underutilized by the medical profession. These centers--run by and for people with disabilities--are likely resources and allies for providing education, role models, and peer mentoring around relationships, intimacy, sexuality, sexual expression, and parenting with a disability. Finally, sex education is a must and should include the following: Basic facts of life, reproduction, and sexual intercourse; Human growth and development Human reproduction and anatomy Self-pleasuring/masturbation and the use of sexual aids Intimacy and privacy Pregnancy and child birth Contraception and abortion Family life and parenthood Sexual response and consensual sex Sexual orientation Sexual abuse HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The question should not be whether sex education is provided to persons with disabilities, but rather how it is most effectively provided. Health sex education must include the development of effective communication skills, decision-making skills, assertiveness, and the ability to say "no." It must also include ways to create satisfying relationships. For more information about sex education as it relates to people with disabilities, the following abbreviated resource list may be helpful: http://www.sexualhealth.com http://www.lookingglass.com Ludwig S, Hingsburger, D. Being sexual: an illustrated series on sexuality and relationships. SIECCAN, 850 Coxwell, Aven., East York, Ontario, M4C 5R1 Tel: 416-466-5304; Fax: 416-778-0785. Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 350, New York, NY 10036. Tel: 212-819-9770. National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013; Tel/TTY: 800-695-0285; Fax: 202-884-8641; Internet: www.nichcy.org Non-Latex Supplies (Ask your pharmacist if not available) Trojan-Supra: http://www.trojancondoms.com Durex-Avanti: http://www.durex.com Female Health Company-FC Female Condom http://www.femalehealth.com Pasante--EzOn http://www.postalcondoms.co.uk (available in Canada and U.K.).
Adolescent↗
A tri-level HIV-prevention educational intervention.
Preventing HIV transmission is a major world health goal. The international nursing shortage and the cost of educational and healthcare require innovative approaches to meet this goal. The initiative described provided HIV education at three levels: to students in an R.N. to BSN program, lay health advisors (LHA's), and participants in a high-risk community. Students completed the traditional community needs assessment and teaching plans. Additionally, they contributed to funding proposals, implemented and evaluated their plan. They prepared LHA's as peer group educators. This was cost-effective and increased credibility in an African-American community. Using tested materials tailored to this population, six LHA's conducted 24 sessions in two months. Of the 168 community participants, 151 completed the pre-and post-test of HIV knowledge. Correct responses increased significantly overall from 81.9% to 88.3 (t = 4.88, df = 150; p = .001). The three items with the greatest change in correct responses related to African American HIV exposure, female condoms, and lubricants. Rationale for the project and recommendations for improvement are included.
Adult↗
Identification of strategies for promoting condom use: a prospective analysis of high-risk African American female teens.
Condom promotion strategies for adolescents typically include provision of STD/HIV-associated knowledge, fostering favorable attitudes toward condom use, promoting positive peer norms regarding condom use, improving condom-related communication skills and self-efficacy, and overcoming barriers to condom use. The purpose of this study was to identify which of these constructs were prospectively associated with condom use among a high-risk sample of African American adolescent females reporting sexual activity with a steady male partner. Adolescents, 14-18 years old, were recruited from schools and health clinics. Adolescents completed an in-depth survey and interview at baseline and again 6 months later. Analyses were limited to adolescents with steady partners who reported sexual activity between the baseline and 6-month follow-up assessment periods (N = 179). At baseline, five-scale measures and a single-item measure were used to assess predictive constructs. At follow-up, adolescents were asked about their frequency of condom use over various periods of recall. Multivariate models were created to control for the confounding influence of pregnancy status. The findings were remarkably distinct. The evidence strongly supported the predictive role of perceived barriers toward condom use and peer norms. The measure of sexual communication achieved significance for two of the six assessed outcomes. Alternatively, measures of attitudes toward condom use, condom negotiation self-efficacy, and knowledge about STD/HIV-prevention were consistently nonsignificant. The findings suggest that to improve effectiveness of individual-level STD/HIV prevention programs, designed for this population, program emphasis should be on reducing barriers to condom use, teaching partner communication skills, and fostering positive peer norms relevant to condom use.
Adolescent↗
Condom use among female commercial sex workers and male clients in Hong Kong.
The use of condoms is an aid to protection against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In a one-and-a-half month period in mid-1993, 190 commercial female sex workers and 633 male clients of 8 Social Hygiene Clinics in Hong Kong were interviewed on their practice in condom usage. For both sex workers and clients, 18.5% and 22.8% never and 55.3% and 50.3% seldom used condoms during sexual contacts with paying partners and non-paying partners respectively. The majority (86%) of male clients claimed that they would use a condom if they knew it could reduce risk of contracting HIV and other STD. Condom promotion activities are necessary, particularly for those at higher risk of infection because of their sexual behaviour.
Adult↗
Women at risk for HIV from a primary partner: balancing risk and intimacy.
Women are being devastated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. and all over the world, most infections occurring via heterosexual activity with a primary partner. Although a number of evaluations of behavioral risk-reduction interventions for women have been reported, many suffer from methodological problems that weaken confidence in their findings. It is clear that, despite statistically significant intervention effects, many women are unable to respond to even the most effective interventions that have been tested, a fact that might be attributable to failure to change behavior with primary partners. Achieving consistent condom use with primary partners can be highly challenging for women, for a variety of reasons. In the present paper, I review the literature regarding behavioral interventions for women. I also review data supporting the feasibility of alternative strategies that may be more effective than those usually recommended for women at risk for HIV infection by their primary male partner. The literature on woman-controlled technologies, such as the female condom and vaginal microbicides, is summarized. Alternative messages for condom negotiation and "negotiated safety" are also described. Because it is relevant to negotiated safety, and at the heart of the present topic, a review of the behavioral literature regarding serodiscordant heterosexual couples is also provided.
Female↗
[Contraception and pregnancy in adolescence]
OBJECTIVE: To review and discuss different contraceptive methods currently used by adolescents, and also discuss adolescent pregnancy, including the associated risks and the importance of prenatal care. METHODS: Review of literature and clinical experience with different contraceptive methods and with adolescent pregnancy. RESULTS: The oral contraceptive pill is the most common method used by teenagers due to its low failure rate and other non-contraceptive effects. Emergency contraception is a good option in cases of rape, unplanned sexual intercourse, condom rupture, nonuse of oral contraceptives during short intervals. In this case, the pill should be taken within 72 hours after the intercourse (preferably before 24 hours for best effect). Most problems related to adolescent pregnancy have a social or economic origin; however, some medical complications such as preterm labor and anemia are frequently reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of male and female condoms combined with other contraceptive methods should be encouraged to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. If pregnancy is confirmed, prenatal care must be implemented as soon as possible in order to minimize the risks of complication and to allow for an effective multidisciplinary approach.
Journal Article↗
Human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence and condom use among female sex workers in Italy.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In two different studies, we evaluated the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence rate and the condom use in a group of female sex workers working in Italy. STUDY DESIGN: In the first study we collected data on HIV serologic testing of female sex workers; in the second study, we evaluated the use of condoms and high-risk sexual practices by sex workers with their clients and nonpaying partners. RESULTS: Overall, 131 of 802 (16%) were HIV positive: 36 of 558 (6%) professional sex workers and 95 of 244 (39%) sex workers who used intravenous drugs. There was a significant increase of seroprevalence among professional sex workers between 1988 to 1990 and 1991 to 1995 (2% versus 11%, P < or = 0.001), whereas among the sex workers who used intravenous drugs, the increase was not significant (37% versus 40%, P = 0.70). Similarly, the HIV seroprevalence in the Italian professional sex workers is constant in the two periods of time (2% versus 1%). In the second study, 97 of 102 (95%) sex workers reported regular condom use with clients, whereas 63% of sex workers reported they never used them with nonpaying partners. Fourteen sex workers reported having nonpaying partners who used intravenous drugs and 6 reported having nonpaying bisexual partners; 8 of these 20 partners were HIV positive. CONCLUSION: The results of the first study showed a significant increase of seroprevalence among professional sex workers, whereas the high seroprevalence among sex workers who used intravenous drugs was constant. The results of the second study showed that sex workers may be at higher risk for HIV infection through noncommercial sexual intercourses.
Adult↗
Women and HIV. Microbicides for HIV prevention.
We all know about the "feminization" of AIDS. Approximately 8000 women and girls are infected with HIV daily, the vast majority by their husbands or boyfriends. In Africa, women make up 60% of all people living with HIV/AIDS, and girls make up 6% of HIV positive African youth. While fewer than half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur among women, the transmission pattern is similar. Heterosexual contact is the source of at least 78% of all new infections among U.S. women. Biologically, a woman is at least twice as likely as a man to contract HIV from a single act of unprotected vaginal intercourse. Even with the "female condom," a woman cannot protect herself during heterosexual sex without the cooperation of her partner. The "ABCs" (abstain, be faithful, use condoms) fail millions of women who lack the social and economic power to negotiate when and how sex occurs and whether protection is used. Microbicides could change this picture with just a simple cream, foam, or gel that can be inserted vaginally to protect women condom use isn't possible. Five candidate microbicides are now in large-scale efficacy trials and dozens more are in the preclinical and clinical trial pipeline. Research to develop rectal microbicides is also finally underway. We now have the scientific means and the public health motivation to put the first totally new HIV prevention technology into the hands of receptive sex partners--male and female--in the very near future.
Antiviral Agents↗
New contraceptive choices across reproductive life.
The range of contraceptive options and consumer awareness of new contraceptive methods have both increased significantly over the past 10 years. New methods available in Australia include lower-dose oral contraceptive pills, new oral progestogens, progestogen implants, a progestogen-bearing intrauterine device and polyurethane female condoms. Contraceptive options which may soon be introduced in Australia include novel methods of administering combined (oestrogen-progestogen) contraception, such as dermal patches and vaginal rings.
Adolescent↗
Contraception in the adolescent. Preparation for the 1990s.
An overview of current and future contraceptive methods available to the adolescent is presented. Emphasis is given to oral contraceptives, including low-dose monophasics and triphasics. Current research confirms the efficacy and safety or oral contraceptives for teenagers. Other methods are reviewed, such as the mini-pill, barrier contraceptives (including the cervical cap and female condom), injectable contraceptives, hormonal contraceptive implants, the vaginal ring, postcoital contraception, periodic abstinence, gossypol, and others. Though abstinence is the best contraceptive method for adolescents, contraceptive technology of the 1990s presents clinicians and sexually active youth with many additional options.
Adolescent↗
Oral contraception and unprotected sex with occasional partners of women HIV-infected through injection drug use.
Among HIV-infected women, unprotected sex with the main sexual partner is common practice. Conversely, studies about condom use with sexual partners of unknown HIV sero-status are sparsely reported. We aimed to assess the impact of oral contraception on unsafe sexual behaviours with occasional partners in women HIV-infected through injection drug use. The analysis focused on 90 women, enrolled in the French cohort MANIF 2000 and reported having engaged in sexual relationships with occasional partners during a 48-month period. Visits where women reported unprotected sex with occasional partners in the prior 6 months were compared to visits where they reported protected sex using a logistic model based on Generalised Estimating Equations. Unprotected sex with occasional partners was independently associated with oral contraception (OR[95%CI] = 3.2[1.4-7.2]), reporting only one occasional partner (OR[95%CI] = 3.1[1.6-6.2]) and antiretroviral treatment receipt. No significant association was found between unprotected sex and CD4 level or plasma viral load. With the growing population of people living with HIV as a chronic infection, the development and evaluation of HIV-prevention interventions tailored toward women remain a public health priority. Risk reduction counselling and interventions are needed to promote either the use of dual contraception or, alternatively, that of female condom.
Adult↗
Maternal health services in South Africa. During the 10th anniversary of the WHO 'Safe Motherhood' initiative.
The tenth anniversary of the World Health Organisation's 'Safe Motherhood' initiative is being celebrated this year and the organisation is using the opportunity to assess critically its gains, its strengths and its weaknesses. South Africa has taken some bold steps to address maternal health services, specifically introducing free health care for pregnant women and children under 5. In this paper we explore what further steps are necessary to ensure improved health outcome for pregnant women. South African health care administrations are, in some cases, engaged in broad health systems interventions at provincial level. This approach to improving health services is nonetheless frustrated by programme-specific initiatives, such as the introduction of female condoms or other piecemeal additions. We argue that making the systems function is the essential, primary step in the success of any intervention. The case of maternal health is explored in this paper.
Adolescent↗
Evaluation of a sexual health approach to prevent HIV among low income, urban, primarily African American women: results of a randomized controlled trial.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated an innovative culturally specific sexual health intervention-targeting, but not limited to, low-income African American women-in which HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention strategies were combined with comprehensive sexuality education. The intervention was delivered and evaluated in community-based settings to 218 participants randomly assigned to treatment or a no-treatment control group. Participants were interviewed at pretest and 3 and 9 months after the intervention to assess changes in both sexuality and HIV risk variables. The intervention was effective in improving sexual anatomy knowledge at both 3- and 9-month follow-up. For a subset of women engaging in unprotected sex at pretest, the intervention group reported an increase in positive attitudes toward the female condom at 9-month follow-up. Reasons for the weak treatment effect are discussed in the context of challenges inherent in conducting community-based research with high-risk populations and sensitive topics. Recommendations are provided for improving sample attrition, statistical power, and response bias and for altering the intervention so as to strengthen its impact.
Adolescent↗
Achieving safer sex with choice: studying a women's sexual risk reduction hierarchy in an STD clinic.
A flexible, risk-reduction approach, as compared with a single method approach, may increase sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV protection for women attending STD clinics. A brief intervention was tested in an observational study of 292 STD clinic patients in three distinct cohorts. These included subjects counseled on (1) the "women's safer sex hierarchy of prevention methods" (hierarchy cohort, n = 118), including the female condom (FC), male condom (MC), diaphragm, cervical cap, and spermicides, (2) MC only (n = 62), or (3) FC (n = 112) only. We evaluate method use and level of protection achieved at 6-month follow-up among the women in the hierarchy cohort and compare the level of unprotected sex across the three cohorts, using ordinal logistic regression analyses and an imputation procedure to account for attrition. In the hierarchy cohort, the MC, FC, spermicidal film, foam, suppository, and diaphragm were used with main partners by 80%,46%, 37%, 28%, 17%, and 5% of women, respectively. Spermicides were used frequently, mainly in conjunction with condoms. As compared with hierarchy subjects, both MC cohort subjects (OR = 2.3, p = 0.01) and FC cohort subjects (OR = 1.6, p = 0.11) were more likely to report 100% unprotected sex. The tendency for subjects to move toward higher levels of protection was observed most strongly in the hierarchy group. Hierarchical-type counseling, compared with single method counseling, leads to increased protection during sex among women at high risk of STD/HIV infection and should be implemented in STD clinics.
Adult↗