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"When you carry condoms all the boys think you want it": negotiating competing discourses about safe sex.

With the advent of HIV, sexual health campaigns and formal sex education in schools have worked to instil the concept of safe sex into the collective minds of Australia's youth. However the concept in its present guise is a fairly limited one. We argue in this paper that the predominant emphasis in education programmes on safe sex as condom use may be counter-productive for some young heterosexuals for two reasons. First, this strategy is male-focused and may not extrapolate well to young women who face special risks around pregnancy and rigid societal gender norms which govern sexual behaviour. Second, health promotion strategies aimed at young heterosexuals are based on an assumption of rational decision-making in sexual encounters and obscure the non-rational nature of arousal and desire, and the unequal power relations that exist between young men and women engaging in sex. Five hundred and twelve senior rural students participated in the study which included group discussions about sexuality and survey items which focused on the meanings of safe sex and the accessibility and use of condoms. The results showed that though most students identified condoms with safe sex, many were ambivalent about using them. Reasons given related to problems of negotiation, difficulties of access, and the risks which condoms gave no protection from, such as a sullied reputation. Perhaps, partly because of this, some students were looking to less secure methods of protection such as informal history-taking and monogamy. It is argued that successful sexual health promotion strategies must address the broad spectrum of concerns facing young men and women when they become sexually active and that consideration be given to the social context in which young people conduct their sexual lives.

Adolescent↗

Determinants of condom use stage of change among heterosexually-identified methamphetamine users.

There is a paucity of research on the association between methamphetamine use (meth) and sexual risk behavior among heterosexual meth users. This study used a multiple theories approach to identify factors associated with stage of change for condom use in a sample of 181 HIV-negative, heterosexually identified meth users. Background characteristics, drug use variables, and theoretical mechanism of change variables were examined in relation to Prochaska's contemplative and preparation stages of change. Sexual risk behavior was highest among those in the contemplation stage of change. When compared with those in the preparation stage of change, contemplators were more likely to be never married, more likely to have an STD, consumed larger amounts of meth and other illicit drugs, had lower scores on self-efficacy and outcome expectancies for condom use and negotiation of safer sex practices, and had less positive social norms in relation to AIDS preventive behaviors. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that the preparation stage of change was associated with increased self-efficacy for condom use, stronger social norms regarding condom use, and reduced occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases. The findings are discussed in relation to the development of sexual risk reduction interventions for heterosexual meth users.

Adult↗

Factors associated with HIV testing, condom use, and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

This study examined predictors of HIV testing, successful condom negotiation with clients, and self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Vietnamese female sex workers (FSW). Data were collected by using face-to-face interviews from a community sample of 610 FSW from Nha Trang city during October-December, 2000. Having had an HIV test was associated with having spent time in a rehabilitation center. Consistently successful negotiation of condom use occurred most among FSW who had few clients, understood how HIV was not transmitted, and had not reported ever having any symptoms of STIs. Migration to Nha Trang for sex work was a risk factor for an STI diagnosis; successful negotiation of condom use had a protective effect. Our results suggest the need for voluntary HIV counseling and testing, further promotion of condom use among FSW populations, and better use of rehabilitation sites to promote HIV prevention.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

Association of violence victimization with inconsistent condom use in HIV-infected persons.

The association of violence victimization with current condom use in HIV-infected persons was examined in this cross-sectional study. The HIV-Alcohol Longitudinal Cohort (HIV-ALC) recruited HIV-infected participants with a history of alcohol problems. Interviews assessed violence histories and current sexual behaviors. Of the 349 participants (79% men), 38% reported inconsistent condom use and 80% reported a violence history. Lifetime sexual violence was reported by 40% and lifetime physical violence (without sexual violence) by 40%. Participants reporting lifetime sexual violence had greater odds of inconsistent condom use than participants without any history of violence. A history of childhood sexual violence was also associated with greater odds of inconsistent condom use than participants without a history of childhood sexual violence. A history of sexual violence may in part explain HIV-infected persons' greater risk for transmitting HIV through high-risk sexual behaviors.

Adult↗

Prevalence and correlates of condom use and HIV testing among female sex workers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan: implications for HIV transmission.

Little is known about sex work in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, despite rapid increases in HIV infection. Consistent client condom use and prior HIV testing are described among 448 female sex workers (FSW) completing a self-administered questionnaire, health provider interview, and HIV testing between April 2003 and March 2004. Participants were recruited through outreach workers using modified snowball sampling. Consistent client condom use was more likely for FSW who were married, knew condoms prevent HIV, and from countries in south Central Asia. Prior HIV testing was less likely for FSW younger than 21 years, who shared drugs with clients, initiated sex work at 18 years or less and had engaged in sex work less than 2 years. Low rates of condom use, particularly by those with risky drug behaviors, indicate that targeted risk-reduction interventions are urgently needed.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

Mineral oil lubricants cause rapid deterioration of latex condoms.

As little as sixty seconds' exposure of commercial latex condoms to mineral oil, a common component of hand lotions and other lubricants used during sexual intercourse, caused approximately 90% decrease in the strength of the condoms, as measured by their burst volumes in the standard ISO (International Standards Organization) Air Burst Test. Burst pressures were also reduced, although less dramatically. Lubricants such as Vaseline Intensive Care and Johnson's Baby Oil, each containing mineral oil, also affected condom integrity. Five min. exposure of condoms to glycerol, a frequent component of hand lotions and 'personal lubricants', did not significantly affect burst volume or pressure. Aqueous nonoxynol-9 spermicide did not affect either burst index. The implications of these results for contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, are discussed.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

Latex condom deterioration accelerated by environmental factors: I. Ozone.

Commercial non-lubricated latex condoms were unpackaged and exposed in an environmental chamber to ozone levels (0.3 ppm) commonly present in urban smog conditions. Deterioration was observed by scanning electron microscopy after 18 hours exposure. Loss of mechanical strength was quantitated by measurement of the air pressures necessary to burst the condom and volumes at burst. After 24 hours exposure to ozone the latex surface was covered with craters and after 48 hours the pressure required to burst the condom was 44% that of control samples. Data suggest the need for study of the effectiveness of lubrication and packaging in protecting condoms from environmental factors which may accelerate deterioration.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

Characteristics of condom use and associated problems: experience in Bangladesh.

Data from the 1983 Bangladesh Condom User Survey (BCUS) are analyzed for patterns of condom use and various problems directly influencing their effectiveness. The survey was undertaken to explain an apparent gap between reports of the number of condoms distributed in certain areas compared with prevalence of users as reported in contraceptive prevalence surveys. These data are analyzed from behavioral and management perspectives to identify various factors influencing utilization, with potential implications for understanding and improving family planning and AIDS/STD prevention service systems. Patterns of use are related to differences in source of supply through public, free or private-priced systems, differences in urban or semi-rural place of residence, and differences in perceptions of men or women. The problem with condom use most often identified by the respondents was breakage.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the effects of a female condom on the female lower genital tract.

The purposes of this study were to determine if use of the female condom (Reality) was traumatic to the vaginal mucosa and/or vulvar skin and to determine its effect on resident vaginal bacterial flora. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to utilize the female condom or diaphragm during the study period. Initially and during 3 follow-up visits, each subject underwent colposcopic examination of the vagina, cervix, and vulva with photographic record, and qualitative fungal, aerobic and anaerobic cultures of the vagina. The two groups were compared with respect to the frequency of abnormal physical findings determined by both macroscopic and colposcopic examination. Visits were compared within each contraceptive group with respect to changes in resident vaginal flora. There was no evidence of significant trauma associated with the use of either contraceptive device during the study period. The resident vaginal flora did not significantly change during the three follow-up visits in patients using the female condom. In diaphragm users, lactobacilli were less frequently isolated at the third (14/15 vs 6/15, P = 0.008) and fourth (14/15 vs 7/15, P = 0.039) follow-up visits when compared to the initial visit. In addition, aerobic gram-negative rods were more frequently isolated during the fourth visit (1/15 vs 9/15, P = 0.021) when compared to the first visit. We conclude that neither the female condom (Reality) nor the diaphragm is associated with trauma to the lower genital tract. Subjects using the diaphragm undergo a significant change in vaginal bacterial flora, becoming more likely to be colonized with coliform microorganisms and less likely to maintain lactobacilli colonization.

Adult↗

Condom knowledge, history of use, and attitudes among chemically addicted populations.

The need for behavioral change of risky sexual practices has been of the highest priority since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. The major focus of education for safe sex has been emphasis on condom use. We surveyed 124 individuals applying to treatment for various chemical dependencies and 60 individuals applying for non-chemical-dependency medical treatment on various aspects of condom knowledge, history of use, and attitudes. Respondents reported that AIDS has motivated them to increase their use of condoms, however, only 13.9% always use them. Education is needed in the areas of increasing protection. Along with the use of a condom, the need for a reservoir tip and the risks associated with multiple sex partners should be stressed.

Adult↗

When free condoms and spermicide are not enough: barriers and solutions to participant recruitment to community-based trials.

While randomised controlled trials remain the accepted 'gold standard' in medical research, participant recruitment is often problematic, particularly with primary care trials or those requiring healthy volunteers. Such difficulties can jeopardise the trial, leading to early abandonment, reduced statistical power or timetable and budget overruns. Substantial changes in recruitment plans may reduce the generalisability of the research. In order to overcome some of the more common recruitment difficulties, it is important that researchers share their recruitment strategy successes and failures. We report our experience of recruiting healthy volunteers to a condom trial, based within primary care and community populations. This was an RCT of the effect that using an additional spermicidal lubricant has on condom failure. We originally aimed to recruit entirely from Family Planning Clinics, but eventually required a wide variety of strategies. Targeted mailings, newspaper coverage and electronic 'posters' were among the most successful we used to bolster clinic recruitment. Concerned at our slow recruitment rates, we conducted a questionnaire survey investigating the reasons for participation and non-participation in the research completed by 101 trial participants, 112 decliners and 90 controls (total 303). The most important reasons given for taking part included 'considering the research to be important' (85%), 'wanting to help the researchers' (70%), 'having time to help' (62%) and 'getting free condoms and lubricant' (56%). The most popular reasons for declining were 'not wanting to use condoms' (38%), 'partner's unwillingness to take part' (29%), 'not wanting to alter usual contraceptive practice' (27%), 'not having time' (21%). Contrary to expectations, embarrassment and fears about confidentiality were relatively unimportant factors in this decision. In conclusion, the key to attaining recruitment targets was the core research team taking an active part, working closely with clinic staff and maintaining tight control of the process. Altruism remains a powerful motivation for participants, supported by incentives and procedural details to minimise personal inconvenience. Even for intimate research topics, these general factors outweigh specific issues.

Adult↗

Family and friend closeness to adolescent sexual partners in relationship to condom use.

PURPOSE: The role of closeness of sexual partners to family and friends (i.e., how well the participant's family and friends knew their primary sexual partner) to a variety of relationship and sexual behavior measures was explored. METHODS: A sample of 151 adolescent females (aged 14-17 years) was assessed. Areas assessed include family and friend closeness, relationship intimacy, length of sexual relationship, and condom use. RESULTS: Bivariate correlations indicated that the integration of the sexual partner into the family and friend networks was related to greater relationship intimacy. Lowered condom use was related to a number of measures, including increased relationship intimacy and increased family closeness. A path analysis was conducted to assess for direct and indirect effects of family closeness, friend closeness, relationship length, and relationship intimacy on condom use. Social network closeness in family and friend networks was implicated in lowered condom use through higher relationship intimacy within adolescent dyads. CONCLUSIONS: Social network theory is useful in understanding adolescent health-related behavior. In particular, the integration of adolescent sexual partners into both family and friend networks is related to the expression of adolescent sexual behavior.

Adolescent↗

Partner age not associated with recurrent Chlamydia trachomatis infection, condom use, or partner treatment and referral among adolescent women.

PURPOSE: Among adolescent women, having older sexual partners has been associated with initial Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection and high-risk behaviors. This study evaluates the role of older partners in the risk of three outcomes: recurrent Ct, lack of condom use, and nonadherence with partner management (PM) strategies. METHODS: Female participants aged 14 to 18 years enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of patient-delivered partner treatment (PDPT) with at least one follow-up visit were included in this secondary analysis. Patient- and partner-level data were collected at baseline, one, and four months follow-up. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) and logistic regression were used to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations. RESULTS: The majority of the 496 women were African-American (63.3%), aged 16 to 18 years (62.3%), and asymptomatic for Ct (66.7%). At baseline, all of the women had laboratory-demonstrated Ct and were treated; they had 622 partners during the last 60 days, 21.4% reported having more than one partner with a mean (SD) of 1.5 (.78) partners per woman, and 46.3% of the partners were at least three years older than the woman. Over follow-up, 16.1% of the women experienced Ct recurrence, in 41.9% of the partnerships a condom was not used at last sex, and 80.6% of women reported giving PM. After adjusting for confounders, having a partner at least three years older was not associated with increased risk of Ct recurrence, lack of condom use, or nonadherence to PM strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of Ct recurrence, lack of condom use, and nonadherence to PM strategies was not higher among adolescent women with older partners.

Adolescent↗

Use of condoms as blade covers during laryngoscopy, a method to reduce possible cross infection among patients.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngoscope blades are in close contact with mucous membranes and can possibly contaminated with virulent or readily transmissible organisms. As laryngoscopy is often required during endotracheal intubation, proper cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope blade is crucial to prevent cross-contamination among patients. METHODS: We tested the effectiveness of latex condom using as a laryngoscope blade cover during endotracheal intubation. Both control (no condom) and study group blades were rinsed with sterile saline after intubation. The rinse was sent for bacteria culture, and appearance of bacterial colonization was counted as positive. A water leak test (WLT) was performed on used condoms to verify their integrity. RESULTS: There were total 162 laryngoscopes studied with 83 (51.2%) scopes in the study group and 79 (48.8%) in the control group. Rate of positive bacterial culture were 13.3% and 88.6% in the study and control group, respectively. Although WLT (+) rate of 41% was found in the study group, a high negative culture rate (71.6%) was also noted among the WLT (+) group. CONCLUSIONS: Condom when using as a blade cover during laryngoscopy is a simple, inexpansive and effective way in reducing cross contamination among patients.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Atopy, the use of condoms, and a history of cesarean delivery: potential predisposing factors for latex sensitization in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the prevalence of latex sensitization among women admitted for delivery and the relevant risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study 333 consecutive patients admitted for delivery were screened for specific immunoglobulin E antibodies to latex and for atopic status. A questionnaire was filled in and included questions about the obstetric and surgical history, known contact with latex, and previous use of condoms. RESULTS: Nine of 333 (2.7%) women showed latex-specific immunoglobulin E. All 9 women had atopy (100% vs 26. 2% in the latex-negative group; P <.00001). Of 8 patients with specific immunoglobulin E who gave details about the use of condoms, 6 had had frequent contact with latex condoms (75% vs 51%). Previous cesarean delivery was more frequent in latex-sensitized patients (33% vs 8.4%; P <.05), whereas previous pregnancies, previous deliveries, and total number of operations had no influence. CONCLUSION: Given a prevalence of 2.7% of latex sensitization, all obstetric patients should be questioned about known immediate allergic reaction to latex, a predisposition to atopy, previous intra-abdominal operations, and the regular use of condoms in the past. Patients with atopy and additive risk factors should be treated in a latex-free environment.

Adolescent↗

Structural integrity of the female condom after a single use, washing, and disinfection.

The Reality(R) female condom is approved for use during a single act of intercourse, but is expensive relative to other barrier methods. Re-use is a potential strategy to reduce its per-use cost. We tested the structural integrity of female condoms (n = 318) after a single act of vaginal intercourse. We also measured the impact of laboratory washing (1, 5, or 10 times) with and without disinfection on the structural integrity of unused condoms. Structural integrity was measured via 5 tests: seam tensile strength, water leakage, air-burst, tear propagation, and device dimensions. No degradation in device structural integrity occurred after a single use when compared to control for seam tensile (16.0 vs.15.7 mPa; p = 0.558); water leakage (1.9% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.618); air burst (3.9 vs. 3.6 kPa; p <0.001); or tear propagation (344.6 vs. 336.8 psi; p = 0.313). Mean length was slightly increased [single use vs. control (177.9 vs. 172.5 mm; p <0.001)]. No consistent pattern of structural degradation emerged across all wash/disinfection groups. Our data suggest the structural integrity of the female condom remains intact after a single use and cleaning.

Coitus↗

Condoms are not a risk factor for sensitization to latex.

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of sensitization to latex in a group of women with a high risk for atopy and to determine whether the use of condoms is a relevant risk factor. In a prospective study, 100 atopic women (defined as having specific IgE to common aero- or nutritional allergens) were screened for specific IgE antibodies to latex after delivery: Ten of the 100 women (10%) showed specific IgE to latex. Total IgE concentrations were higher with a history of occupational exposure or of symptoms after contact with latex (p < 0.05, and p < 0.005, respectively), but condom users were not significantly more frequent in the latex-positive group. Our results indicate that prior use of condoms does not appear to be a specific risk factor for sensitization to latex in post-partum women at high-risk for atopy. Latex-free condoms should only be recommended to women already known to be sensitized to latex.

Adolescent↗

[Sexual behaviour and use of condoms by adolescents in our environment].

OBJECTIVE: To identify sexual behaviour in adolescents. DESIGN: Transversal, descriptive study, by means of an anonymous structured questionnaire. SETTING: Urban secondary school. PARTICIPANTS: Simple random sample of 84 students (4th year of ESO--c. 15/16 years old). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Personal details, sexual practices, use of condoms. RESULTS: 61.9% were girls. Average age was 16.4 (95% CI, 16.2-16.6). They had a girl/boy-friend or casual partner (33.7%) and stable partner (60.7%). 82.2% had total or sufficient trust. Boys' first masturbation was between 14 and 16 (46.8%). 100% had done so by the age of 16. 72.3% of girls had never masturbated at this age (P<.001).Boys' first kiss on the lips occurred between 14 and 16 (46.8%); 100% had done so by 16. 60.7% of girls had done so between 14 and 16, and 92.2% by 16.30.1% of boys had had their first experience of coitus by the age of the questionnaire, whereas 22.5% of girls had. Both sexes used a condom on 71.4% of occasions.38.1% had sex with penetration, 46.2% masturbated. 22.2% had had 2 sexual partners, 8.9% had had 3, and 40.0% had had 4 or more. Condoms were used in 83.3% of relationships with penetration. CONCLUSIONS: This is a sexually active population, susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unwanted pregnancies, as it does not use condoms in every relationship involving penetration. Health education activities need to be encouraged.

Adolescent↗