Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Female Condom”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Human immunodeficiency virus infection risk among female sex partners of intravenous drug users in southern Arizona.

Epidemiologic data suggest that women who are sexual partners of intravenous drug users (IVDUs) are at increasing risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The article reports a study describing living conditions, sex risk behaviors, knowledge about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and perceptions of AIDS risk among female sexual partners of IVDUs living in southern Arizona. One hundred and twenty-three women who did not use IV drugs but had had sex with an IVDU in the last 6 months were interviewed. Eighty percent belonged to an ethnic minority, and 20% were white. Condom use was infrequent regardless of the number of sexual contacts. Sex was primarily heterosexual, with unsafe vaginal intercourse being the most common practice. Barriers to condom use were self-related and partner related. Some women lacked knowledge about sexual transmission of AIDS. All women reported getting AIDS information in the last 6 months and felt some risk of contracting the disease. AIDS risk reduction interventions should include HIV education and focus on barriers to condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Exposure to a community-level HIV prevention intervention: who gets the message.

As part of the evaluation of a community-level HIV prevention program for women, this study examined predictors of exposure to print media and community outreach and assessed the relationship between exposure to the intervention and condom use behavior. Data from interviews with 479 women randomly selected from the intervention community in 1995 and 1996 were examined. Analysis of demographic and risk characteristics were conducted to identify predictors of exposure to the project's HIV prevention messages. Additionally, logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of intervention exposure on condom use, controlling for factors related to exposure. The results revealed that the print media campaign reached the largest number of women. However, women at highest risk did not have high rates of exposure to print media, but had greater exposure to outreach. Exposure to print media had an effect on increased communication with a main partner about condom use, but was not significantly related to condom use last time had sex. There were no significant main effects for exposure to outreach on condom use behavior. An important finding of this analysis was that each intervention strategy was successful in reaching a different portion of the target population and that exposure had differential effects on the condom use behavior of particular segments of the target population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

When always isn't enough: implications of the late application of condoms for the validity and reliability of self-reported condom use.

Condoms are most effective when they are applied before intercourse. This study assessed the prevalence of 'condom cheats'--instances of condom use in which the condom is put on after initial penetration. As part of a prospective study of safer sexual behaviour, 103 heterosexual tertiary students completed a condom use diary over a period of up to 6 months. Of the 464 condoms used by study participants, 13% were put on after initial penetration. Thirty-eight percent of condom users reported at least one instance of late application of a condom. Late application of condoms is common and places individuals at risk of infection with HIV and many other STDs. The widespread practice of this behaviour casts doubt on the validity of self-reports of condom use. Assessments of risk based on self-reported condom use may lead to underestimates of the risk entailed in heterosexual young adults' condom use behaviour, and may also lead to underestimates of condom efficacy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Sexual behaviour and condom use in the general population of Spain, 1996.

A national household survey of a representative sample of 9,984 individuals aged 15 years or over, carried out in 1996 using a combination of face-to-face interviews and self-completion questionnaires, was analyzed in order to describe the frequency of HIV sexual risk behaviours and condom use in Spain. Of a total of 8,101 persons (81%) who completed the questionnaire, 37% reported no sexual partner during the previous 12 months, 57% reported one partner and 6% reported more than one partner. Three per cent reported engaging in HIV sexual risk behaviour (i.e. more than one partner and failure to use a condom systematically), a pattern of behaviour which showed independent positive association with the male sex, an age of 20-59 years and being unmarried. Among those who had casual sexual partners during the preceding 12 months, 38% had always used condoms. In the multivariate analysis, failure to use a condom systematically with casual partners was associated with a higher age and being married. Of those who had regular partners during the previous 12 months, 26% had always used condoms, a finding associated with a lower age, higher educational level, unmarried status and non-cohabitation with the sexual partner. This survey has furnished some useful indicators for prevention purposes. Periodic repetition of this survey would enable possible changes in sexual risk behaviours to be detected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Barrier contraceptive use and HIV infection among high-risk women in Cameroon.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the association between spermicide use and HIV infection, adjusting for condom use, and to measure the association between condom use and HIV infection, adjusting for spermicide use. DESIGN: Prospective study of women using nonoxynol-9 (N-9) spermicides and latex condoms, with up to 12 monthly clinic visits for interviews, examinations and tests, and re-supply. METHODS: A total of 273 HIV-negative women with multiple sexual partners were enrolled, given latex condoms and N-9 vaginal spermicidal suppositories, and advised to use both every time they had sexual intercourse. Participants recorded data on sexual activity on pictorial coital logs. New HIV infections were detected and confirmed by quarterly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Western blots, respectively. RESULTS: Nineteen HIV infections occurred during mean follow-up of 8.1 months (an incidence rate of 10.4 infections per 100 women-years). The adjusted HIV rate ratio (RR) was 0.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-0.6] for more consistent compared with less consistent spermicide users; and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.4-2.9) for more consistent compared with less consistent condom users. Among the subgroup of experienced condom users, the RR for more versus less consistent condom use was 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first epidemiological evidence that N-9 spermicides can reduce the incidence of HIV infection. A more definitive randomized clinical trial is urgently needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Sexual risk of HIV infection among expatriates posted in AIDS endemic areas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of HIV infection and related risk factors among Dutch expatriates returning from assignment in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South and South-east Asia. METHODS: From July 1994 to January 1996, a questionnaire on the risks of sexual exposure was completed by 864 respondents, and blood samples were taken. RESULTS: Of the 634 men, 41% reported having sex with casual or steady local partners and 11% with casual or steady expatriate partners, during an average stay of 26 months in the previous 3 years. Of the 230 women, these figures were 31 and 24%, respectively. Of the men with local casual partners (29%), 59% paid for sex at least once. For men as well as women, having sexual contacts abroad was associated with younger age, positive intention prior to departure to have sex abroad, being single at departure, and, only for the men, working for a commercial organization, and feelings of loneliness and boredom. Among men, consistent condom use with casual local partners was 69%, and with casual expatriate partners 63%. Among women, these figures were 64 and 48%, respectively. Consistent condom use with steady local or expatriate partners was much lower. Among men, non-consistent condom use with casual partners was more prevalent if they had been abroad for a longer time, condoms were not taken along from The Netherlands, the country where they were posted was Asian, and the estimated HIV prevalence among the local population was lower. Among the women, non-consistent condom use was more prevalent if condoms were not taken along, and if they did not have the intention before departure to have sex abroad. Of the persons from whom blood could be obtained, one man was HIV-positive. Another man who refused to participate in the study indicated that he was HIV-positive. CONCLUSIONS: Although 23% of the expatriates had unprotected sex with partners from endemic areas, very few HIV infections were found. In comparison with a previous study among this population carried out in 1987-1989, which found five out of 1968 expatriates to be HIV-infected, consistent condom use with casual local partners did increase considerably (from 21 to 67%). However, health education is needed to reduce the risk of HIV infection, which should emphasize the sociocultural differences in sexual practices.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of counselling on safer sex and STD occurrence among STD patients in Malawi.

In developing countries where professional manpower and basic supplies are lacking for STD control, low-cost prevention strategies must be explored. This study assesses the impact of counselling on STD treatment and prevention in Malawi. Increases in safer sex practices are used as indicators of prevention behaviour. A pre-test post-test control group design over a 4-month interval was conducted in 1991 in 2 comparable hospitals approximately 100 km apart. STD was diagnosed symptomatically and Knowledge Attitude Practice and Behaviour (KAPB) data collected using a structured questionnaire. In one group, trained counsellors discussed modes of transmission and prevention of STD/AIDS including a condom demonstration; symptoms and treatment of STDs; partner notification; risk taking and reasons for doing so; and motivations for behaviour change. The results show that counselling reduces the occurrence of STDs; increases concern for sexual partners; increases knowledge about and use of condoms; reduces mean number of partners; and reduces health costs due to fewer hospital visits. Although the observed behaviour change was short term, these outcomes argue in favour of counselling as a low-cost effective strategy for STD control.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Factors associated with nonuse of condoms in heterosexual men and women attending an HIV testing clinic in Israel.

OBJECTIVES: To examine gender differences in HIV-related knowledge, perceived vulnerability, beliefs in self-control, type of sexual partnership, and their associations with nonuse of condoms. METHODS: Heterosexual men and women who voluntarily attended an HIV testing clinic in Israel were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire. Scales of HIV knowledge and control and a single item for vulnerability were used. Type of sexual relationship (monogamous vs. nonmonogramous) and condom use in vaginal sex (never vs. ever) referred to the previous 6 months. Response rate was 84%; 154 men and 109 women participated. RESULTS: Beliefs in self-control did not form a reliable scale and single items were used. No statistically significant gender differences were found in knowledge, vulnerability, or beliefs in self-control. Levels of correct HIV-related knowledge were high, but so were some misconceptions. The vast majority (87%) perceived themselves as vulnerable to HIV infection. The beliefs in self-control were moderate in some items, and low in others. In logistic regression models, different factors were significantly associated with nonuse of condoms in the two genders: the belief that their lifestyle protected them against HIV infection (OR = 2.72, CI = 1.06-7.03) among men, and being monogamous (OR = 3.72, CI = 1.28-10.8) among women. CONCLUSION: Heterosexual men and women attending an HIV testing clinic need counseling to further lower misconceptions about HIV transmission and additional gender-specific counseling to address HIV-related beliefs.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Update on pregnancy, condom use, and prevalence of selected sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents.

Adolescent pregnancy and its consequences continue as major sources of morbidity in the United States. A teenager who becomes a parent is at a significant disadvantage in becoming a contributing adult, both psychosocially and economically. The physician who cares for adolescents has the responsibility of helping parenting teens to find needed support so that they will be able to overcome this significant hurdle. Attention from public agencies has focused on increasing condom use as one approach to adolescent pregnancy prevention. The major advantage of using condoms is that they also prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Of note is that level of knowledge about condoms is not related to their use, and engaging in high-risk behaviors is related to a decreased likelihood of condom use. With rates of condom use estimated at less than 50%, rates of sexually transmitted disease remain high, as reported in recent surveys.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sexual risk behavior and condom use among street youth in Hollywood.

A study of 610 street youth aged 13-23 who attended drop-in centers in Hollywood, Calif., reveals that 96% are sexually experienced. One-half of the young men and one-third of the young women have engaged in sex for food, money, shelter, drugs or other items needed. Twenty-five percent of the men and 15% of the women have injected drugs at some time in their life. Some 45% of the men and 30% of the women used condoms at last intercourse. A logistic regression analysis found that among men, those who have completed 10th grade or higher are nearly three times as likely to use condoms as are those who have less education. Young men who have been tested for the human immunodeficiency virus are nearly twice as likely to use condoms as are those who have not been tested. Among women, condom use declines with age, and young women who have engaged in sex for food, money or lodging are more likely to use condoms than those who have not.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

Concomitants of HIV/STD risk behaviours and intention to engage in risk behaviours in adolescents in India.

A total of 1230 year 11 and 12 anglophone college students, modal age 16 and 17, in three colleges in Mumbai (Bombay), India, were studied with regard to sexual behaviours or risk of sexual behaviours, beliefs about sex, HIV/STD knowledge, and perceived norms regarding sexual behaviours. Data indicated that 8% of males and 1% of females had had sexual experience, but over one-third were not sure at all of being able to abstain from sexual activity with either steady or casual partners. However, perceived norms were slanted toward sexual abstinence for the majority of the sample. Knowledge of the protective effects of condoms was high, although half of those who had had sex did not use condoms. Logistic regression showed that knowledge was higher among males, those who believed it was OK to have sex with a steady partner and that they should not wait until they were older, those who believed that condoms should be used even if the partner is known, and those who believed it was acceptable to have multiple partners. Gender differences in sexual activity and beliefs about sexual activity showed that males were less likely to believe in abstaining from sexual activity and to engage in it. We conclude that this age-group is appropriate for HIV/STD reduction education given the low rate of sexual activity but that, despite knowledge of the importance of condom use, the social skills to apply this knowledge are lacking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Identifying the social contexts of effective sex refusal.

A factorial survey was conducted to identify social situations that inhibit or promote college students' sex-refusal skills. Respondents evaluated five different situations in which sexual intercourse might occur and ranked each according to how certain the respondent would be to refuse to have sexual intercourse in that context. Regression analysis of the survey data showed that knowing the other person well, being with one's boyfriend or girlfriend, having condoms available, wanting to have sex, and both persons' wanting to have sex reduced the probability of refusal. On the other hand, having no condoms and the presence of drugs in the situation increased the probability the individual would refuse to have sex. In addition, men, individuals with previous sexual experience, and drinkers displayed diminished ability to refuse sex. However, the lack of condoms, when combined with these three respondent characteristics, acted to increase the ability to refuse sex.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Risky heterosexual practices amongst women over 30: gender, power and long term relationships.

Statistics suggest that older and younger people are about equally at risk for HIV infection, yet existing research on heterosexuality and safer sexual practices has tended to focus on people under the age of 25. The present qualitative study investigates risk behaviours and the practice of safer sex in older populations. Group discussions comprising women over the age of 30 (n = 23) targeted two issues: the gendered power dimension of heterosexuality and safer sex in long term relationships. Cohort issues were also discussed. The discussion groups revealed that the imbalance of power between men and women which has been shown by previous research to constrain younger women's choices with regard to safer sex, continues to affect older women's decisions. Many of the group participants still found it difficult to assert themselves in sexual relationships and even those who were able to challenge overt pressures to engage in unsafe sex were still susceptible to internalized social pressures. In addition, it seems that risks for older age groups are increased by difficulties in continuing to use condoms in long term relationships where monogamy cannot be taken for granted. It was also apparent that there are difficulties in changing sexual behaviours which were established before HIV became an issue.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Relaying the message of safer sex: condom races for community-based skills training.

This paper describes a community-based HIV prevention program designed to improve confidence in condom use skills by giving community members 'hands-on' experience in using condoms correctly. A condom race activity which had been effective in increasing condom skills confidence among university students in the US was modified and implemented with the general population in rural Northeast Thailand. In addition to providing training in condom use skills, the condom race was part of an integrated condom promotion and distribution campaign which responded to needs identified by the community, built upon the credibility and influence of local leaders and peers, and extended access to condoms into rural communities. Local leaders who had participated in a training-of-trainers program organized condom races in their communities, serving as positive role models for community acceptance of condom use. The condom race stimulated community discussion about condoms and increased participants' feelings of self-efficacy in correct condom use. Participation in the condom race activity was particularly empowering to women, who reported increased confidence in their ability to use condoms and to suggest using condoms with their partners after the race.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Predictors of AIDS knowledge, condom use and high-risk sexual behaviour among women in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Reducing the number of sex partners and using condoms are the major means for individuals to protect themselves from STDs and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. To identify predictors of having only one sex partner in the last year and to assess knowledge and use of condoms among women of reproductive age in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, we interviewed 2285 women at 3 representative family planning clinics between February 1991 and June 1992. After interview, blood and genital specimens were collected for laboratory diagnosis of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although knowledge of sexual transmission of AIDS was very high, less than a half of the respondents (42.8%) mentioned use of condoms as an AIDS preventive measure. Younger and more educated women were more likely to mention use of condoms for AIDS prevention, however only 4.6% of women interviewed were regular users of condoms, while 19.8% were occasional users. The majority of women who had never used a condom (57.5%) reported not using condoms because 'men did not like them'. Condom use was positively associated with increasing level of education and increasing number of sexual partners. 14.8% of women reported having more than one sex partner in the last year; this behaviour was more likely among cohabiting women (increased by 210%); HIV-positives (increased by 120%); and among women with STDs (increased by 50%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2000

The impact of new antiretroviral treatments on college students' intention to use a condom with a new sexual partner.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in predisposing factors in sexual preventive behaviors that could result from the availability of an efficient new antiretroviral therapy. A total of 136 young adults were randomly assigned a vignette to read describing AIDS as a lethal or chronic disease. After reading the vignette, the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing the psychosocial determinants of intention to use a condom with a new sexual partner. The variables were measured according to Ajzen's (1985, 1988, 1991) theory of planned behavior and Triandis's (1977) theory of interpersonal behavior. The experimental manipulation was more successful when the disease was described as lethal (66 of the 68 subjects) rather than chronic (30 of the 68 subjects). For the 96 participants who correctly identified the expected outcome of the disease presented in the vignette, a significant difference in intention was found between the two experimental situations (p < .05). Regression of intention to use condoms on the psychosocial variables yielded an adjusted R2 of .62. Perceived behavioral control, social norms, personal normative belief and anticipated affective reaction were the significant variables explaining this intention. The results suggest that intention to use condoms with a new sexual partner is likely to be modified by the expected outcome of the disease, that is, whether lethal or chronic. Thus, it is suggested that interventions aimed at young adults take into account the impacts the new antiretroviral treatments are likely to have on preventive behaviors.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2000

Management of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV prevention in men at high risk: targeting clients and non-paying sexual partners of female sex workers in Benin.

OBJECTIVES: Male clients of female sex workers have rarely been specific targets for HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STD) interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the effectiveness of outreach methodology for contacting sexual partners of female sex workers for purposes of HIV/STD prevention in Cotonou, Benin. DESIGN AND METHODS: In collaboration with owners/managers, outreach personnel and female sex workers, 404 clients were recruited on-site at prostitution venues, and provided urine samples for leukocyte esterase dipstick (LED), STD and HIV testing before having sex with female sex workers. After having sex they underwent an interview and physical examination. No payment was made for study participation. Prostitution site personnel (n = 41) and boyfriends of female sex workers (n = 56) were also recruited. RESULTS: In all 68% of the clients approached agreed to participate. On-site LED testing and free STD treatment were important factors in participation. HIV-1 prevalence was several-fold higher than in the general population in Cotonou, at 8.4, 12.2 and 16.1% in clients, personnel and boyfriends respectively, and was associated with increasing age and lack of condom use with female sex workers. Condom use rates by clients with female sex workers were non-negligible but sub-optimal, and low with regular partners. Approximately one-third of clients with regular partners also had other non-female sex worker sex partners. Boyfriends of female sex workers are of particular concern due to high numbers of partners, very low condom use rates and high HIV prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings indicate that male sex partners of female sex workers form a 'bridging population' for HIV/STD transmission both to female sex workers, as well as from female sex workers to the general population of women, particularly regular female partners.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Predictors of HIV risk behavior among Russian men who have sex with men: an emerging epidemic.

BACKGROUND: Russia is experiencing one of the sharpest increases in HIV incidence in the world. Almost no research has examined patterns of risk behavior among Russian men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 434 MSM were surveyed in all of St. Petersburg's gay-identified clubs during June 2000. Men completed questionnaires about their sexual practices, AIDS risk knowledge, safer sex attitudes, behavior change intentions, perceived safer sex norms, and fatalism. RESULTS: Most MSM were bisexual; 79% had female partners in their lives and 37% had female partners in the previous 3 months. Sexually transmitted disease treatment was reported by 32% of the men, 23% had sold sex to gain money, and knowledge about critical HIV risk-reduction steps was low. Of all men surveyed, 38% had unprotected anal sex in the previous 3 months, consistent condom use was reported by only 30% of men, and most recent anal intercourse occasions 37% of particpants'. Regression analyses showed that high-risk behavior was predicted by poor safer sex attitudes, weak behavior change intentions, low knowledge about AIDS risk, perceived peer norms that did not support safer sex, and having a boyfriend. CONCLUSION: To avert a widespread epidemic, HIV prevention interventions for Russian MSM are critically needed. Factors predicting risk were consistent with those found among MSM in other countries early in the HIV epidemic. However, unique cultural factors, including frequent bisexual behavior, the 'newness' of openly gay communities in Russia and lack of community experience in dealing with AIDS, require HIV prevention program tailoring.

Adult↗