Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale and psychometric properties among undergraduate students / Versão em português da Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale e propriedades psicométricas entre estudantes universitários

Abstract The condom use can be influenced by psychological and sociocultural aspects, which can be modulated by individual's attitudes. The aim was to propose a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale (Short-Form CAS), describing all procedures of translation, transcultural adaptation, and psychometric properties evaluation when applied to undergraduate students. A cross sectional study was conducted among students enrolled at University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Ribeirão Preto (n = 491; 61.2% female; average age: 22 years; standard deviation: four years). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. A one-factor model with seven items exhibited good factorial validity and reliability, suggesting to be a better factorial solution of the Short-Form CAS in the sample. Few studies have been carried out on the behavioral factors associated with condom use in key populations, which can be exacerbated by a lack of appropriate scales. Therefore, the main contribution of the present study was to propose a simplified and transculturally adapted version of the Short-form CAS with some psychometric properties verified. Since the use of condoms is a component of the study of sexual risk behavior, this scale might be an option to be applied in various Brazilian population segments for this purpose.

Resumo O uso de preservativos pode ser influenciado por aspectos psicológicos e socioculturais, que podem ser modulados por atitudes individuais. O objetivo foi propor uma versão em português brasileiro da Short-Form Condom Attitude Scale (Short-Form CAS), descrevendo os procedimentos de tradução, adaptação transcultural e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas em uma amostra de universitários. Trata-se de estudo transversal com estudantes matriculados na Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Campus Ribeirão Preto (n = 491; 61,2% feminino; média de idade: 22 anos; desvio-padrão: quatro anos). Foi realizada análise fatorial confirmatória. O modelo unifatorial com sete itens apresentou boa validade fatorial e confiabilidade, sugerindo ser a melhor solução fatorial para a Short-Form CAS. Há poucos estudos sobre os fatores comportamentais associados ao uso de preservativos em populações-chave, o que pode ser influenciado pela falta de instrumentos. A principal contribuição deste estudo foi propor uma versão simples e adaptada transculturalmente da Short-Form CAS com algumas propriedades psicométricas verificadas. Uma vez que o uso de preservativos é um componente do comportamento sexual de risco, a escala se apresenta como uma nova opção para futuros estudos na população brasileira.

Conductas sexuales protectoras en estudiantes universitarios de primer año de una universidad de Chillán, Chile / Protective Sexual Behaviors in First-Year University Students at a University in Chillán, Chile

Objetivo: Determinar las conductas sexuales protectoras en estudiantes de una universidad de Chillán, Chile. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo con un muestreo probabilístico por conveniencia de 234 estudiantes universitarios, para los criterios de inclusión destaca haber iniciado actividad sexual. La recolección de datos fue a través de Google forms. El instrumento utilizado fue "Cuestionario de conducta sexual segura". Resultados: Del total de los alumnos encuestados el 64,1 % son mujeres. En cuanto al estado civil, el 93,5 % se identifica soltero. Solo el 47,4 % detiene la actividad sexual para utilizar condón. El 80,8 % evita relaciones sexuales en la primera cita, un 81,6 % nunca tienen relaciones anales sin condón, y el 99,6 % nunca ha tenido sexo con personas que utilizan drogas. Se encontró que la media para conducta sexual protectora es de 70,2 %. Conclusión: Los encuestados presentan conductas sexuales protectoras(AU)

Objective: To determine protective sexual behaviors in students at a university in Chillán, Chile. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive study with a probability sampling by convenience of 234 university students, for the inclusion criteria it stands out to have initiated sexual activity. Data collection was through Google form. The instrument used was the "Safe sexual behavior questionnaire". Results: Of the total students surveyed, 64.1% are women. Regarding marital status, 93.5% identify themselves as single. Only 47.4% stop sexual activity to use a condom. 80.8% avoid sexual relations on the first date, 81.6% never have anal relations without a condom, and 99.6% have never had sex with people who use drugs. It was found that the mean for protective sexual behavior is 70.2 %. Conclusion: The respondents present protective sexual behaviors(AU)

Acceptability of contraceptive methods in lactating mothers in a tertiary centre

Background: High fertility rate, high maternal mortality and high infant mortality rates are the shared problems of the all the developing countries of the world. According to Directorate of Health Services surveys, 40% of women who intend to use a family planning method in the first year postpartum are not using one. Contraceptive use is negligible among postpartum women, particularly young mothers. We aimed to determine the reasons for acceptability, non-acceptability, side effects and continuation of four contraceptive methods condoms, Depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate, (DMPA), copper intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD), progesterone only pills (POPs) in lactating mother after 6 weeks of delivery.Methods: A total of 200 healthy nursing mothers, who needed contraception were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Women were explained about all four contraceptive methods used for the study. The reason for accepting a particular method was sought. The study participant were followed up at third and sixth month and side effects, failure rate, continuation rates, reasons for discontinuation of method were assessed.Results: The most acceptable method was condom (40.5%) followed by DMPA (31%), IUCD (20.5%) and POPs (8%). The most common reason for selection of condom was fear of side effects with other methods (66%). Long acting method like DMPA and IUCD has good continuation rate of 87% and 85% respectively. Failure of contraception was seen only with condoms (2.8%).Conclusions: This study showed condoms was most acceptable method but had failure whereas DMPA and Cu-IUCD have high continuation rate with no failure.

Profile of sexually transmitted infections among attendees of special clinics (Suraksha) at an apex regional sexually transmitted disease centre in North India ­ a five-year study

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present significant global and national health challenges, particularly in India. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of STIs among attendees at the Suraksha Clinic in the Apex Regional STD Centre, Safdarjung Hospital. Methods:Retrospective data from January 2018 to December 2022 were statistically analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The study included the examination for diagnosis of various STIs, such as syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), gonorrhoea, chlamydiasis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, chancroid, and genital herpes. Gender distribution and syndromic diagnoses, including vaginal/cervical discharge and genital ulcers, were also considered. Referrals to Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres for HIV testing were analyzed. Results: The outcomes reveal a substantial burden of STIs, with 3.06% showing reactivity to syphilis, 1.74% testing positive for HIV, 3.36% for gonorrhoea, 11.78% for chlamydiasis, 1.05% for trichomoniasis, 26.24% for candidiasis, 9.97% for bacterial vaginosis, 7.80% for chancroid, 11.64% for herpes genitalis, and 4.01% for other non-STIs. Attendees' interactions included 34.36% of referrals to Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres for HIV testing. The gender distribution showed 58.92% male and 40.94% female attendees. Conclusion: Syndromic diagnoses, including vaginal/cervical discharge (21.22%) and genital warts (8.00%), highlight prevalent conditions, necessitating routine screening, early detection, and targeted interventions for effective disease control and prevention. These findings underscore the significance of integrated screening, patient education, and proactive strategies to safeguard public health in the face of rising STI rates. (AU)

Introdução: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) apresentam desafios de saúde globais e nacionais significativos, particularmente na Índia. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e as características das IST entre os pacientes atendidos na Clínica Suraksha do Centro Regional de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) Apex, Hospital Safdarjung. Métodos: Dados retrospectivos de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2022 foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando Excel e Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). O estudo inclui o exame para diagnóstico de diversas IST, como sífilis, HIV, gonorreia, clamídia, tricomoníase, candidíase, vaginose bacteriana, cancroide e herpes genital. A distribuição por gênero e os diagnósticos sindrômicos, incluindo corrimento vaginal/cervical e úlceras genitais, também foram considerados. Foram analisados encaminhamentos para Centros Integrados de Aconselhamento e Testagem para testagem de HIV. Resultados: Os resultados revelam uma carga substancial de IST, com 3,06% apresentando reatividade à sífilis, 1,74% testando positivo para HIV, 3,36% para gonorreia, 11,78% para clamídia, 1,05% para tricomoníase, 26,24% para candidíase, 9,97% para vaginose bacteriana, 7,80% para cancroide, 11,64% para herpes genital e 4,01% para outras infecções não IST. As interações dos participantes incluíram 34,36% de encaminhamentos para Centros Integrados de Aconselhamento e Testagem para testes de HIV. A distribuição por gênero mostrou 58,92% de participantes do sexo masculino e 40,94% do sexo feminino. Conclusão: Os diagnósticos sindrômicos, incluindo corrimento vaginal/cervical (21,22%) e verrugas genitais (8,00%), destacam condições prevalentes, necessitando de exames de rotina, detecção precoce e intervenções direcionadas para controle e prevenção eficazes de doenças. Estas conclusões sublinham a importância do rastreio integrado, da educação dos pacientes e de estratégias proativas para salvaguardar a saúde pública diante do aumento das taxas de IST. (AU)

Barriers to HIV prevention among adolescents in Njombe, Tanzania: Knowledge gaps and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services

Background: HIV remains a significant global public health issue, claiming 36.3 million lives worldwide. In 2020, approximately 1.75 million adolescents aged 10-19 were living with HIV globally, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 88% of these cases. Tanzania has a national HIV prevalence of 4.8% among individuals aged 15-49, with the Njombe region reporting the highest prevalence at 11.4%. Despite efforts to combat HIV, adolescents often receive less focus in intervention programs, resulting in inadequate adolescent-friendly services and low HIV testing coverage.This study aimed to assessthe barriers to HIV prevention among adolescents in Njombe, focusing on their knowledge and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) services.Methods:A descriptive research approach was used, targeting adolescents aged 15-19 from Agnes Trust and Mpechi secondary schools in Ramadhani and Mji Mwema wards. A total of 155 students were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected using structuredquestionnaires and analyzed using STATA version 17.Results: The study revealed that 67.1% of adolescents had good knowledge of HIV prevention, with females demonstrating slightly better knowledge (70.11%) thanmales (63.24%). However, only 69.68% had access to SRHR services, with counsellingand testing (31.61%) and health education (30.97%) being the most common services received. Despite this, condom use remained low, with only 3.7% taking condoms during SRHR service participation.Conclusion: While adolescents in Njombe have a good understanding of HIV prevention, there are significant gaps in the consistent use of preventive measures like condoms. Enhanced community awareness, better access to SRHR services, and targeted interventions for male adolescents are recommended to address these gaps and reduce HIV prevalence among adolescents in the region. Further research is needed to explore additional factors contributing to the high HIV prevalence in Njombe.

Aids e prevenção do HIV entre adolescentes e jovens em seis municípios brasileiros / AIDS and HIV prevention among adolescents and young adults in six Brazilian municipalities

Resumo A ausência de um debate mais amplo sobre prevenção do HIV e o recrudescimento do conservadorismo, nos últimos anos, podem ter impactado nas concepções e nas práticas dos jovens em relação ao HIV/aids. Entrevistas semiestruturadas conduzidas com 194 jovens, de 16 a 24 anos, em quatro capitais e duas cidades do interior do Brasil, revelaram que, para eles, a aids é percebida como uma "doença que não tem cara", sendo impossível identificar quem tem HIV. As concepções sobre o HIV oscilam entre o medo e a percepção de que é tratável. O risco foi percebido como algo abstrato, que não é central nas preocupações cotidianas, cujo foco é evitar uma gravidez. O uso do preservativo é visto como uma estratégia temporária de prevenção, rapidamente substituído pela confiança na parceria sexual. As tecnologias de informação disponíveis parecem não ter sido capazes de fazer frente ao aumento do conservadorismo e à carência de políticas de prevenção do HIV entre os jovens. Essas políticas devem passar pela melhora na provisão de informações de qualidade, adaptadas aos interesses dos jovens, pela ampliação da oferta dos diferentes insumos de prevenção, e também devem trazer as IST e o HIV de volta para a arena de discussões.

Abstract The lack of a broader debate on HIV prevention and the resurgence of conservatism in recent years may have influenced the perceptions and practices of young people regarding HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 194 young individuals, aged 16 to 24, in four state capitals and two small municipalities in Brazil, revealed that they perceive AIDS as a "faceless disease," making it impossible to identify who has HIV. Conceptions about HIV oscillate between fear and the perception that it is treatable. The risk was perceived as abstract, something that is not central to daily concerns, with the primary focus being in preventing pregnancy. Condom use is seen as a temporary prevention strategy, quickly replaced by trust in the sexual partnership. Available information technology appears unable to address the rise in conservatism and the lack of HIV prevention policies among young people. These policies should improve the provision of quality information tailored to the interest of young people, expand the availability of various prevention resources, and bring STIs and HIV back into the discussion arena.

Técnica de condón de Rivera en el manejo de fístulas entero-atmosféricas / Rivera's condom technique for the management of enteroatmospheric fistula

RESUMEN Gran cantidad de dispositivos se han descripto con el objetivo de recolectar el efluente de una fístula enteroatmosférica. Podríamos resumir que existen dispositivos comerciales o artesanales; caros o accesibles; aspirativos y no aspirativos; que permiten la deambulación del paciente y aquellos que no colaboran con la movilidad posoperatoria. Cuando nos enfrentamos a esta patología, suelen ser varios los intentos de conseguir un dispositivo adecuado antes de encontrar el indicado para tal o cual paciente. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 60 años con una fístula entero atmosférica en quienes el empleo del dispositivo del condón de Rivera permitió obtener un buen resultado.

ABSTRACT Many devices have been described to collect the effluent from an enteroatmospheric fistula. We can summarize that devices can be manufactured or handmade, expensive or affordable, or vacuum assisted or not. Additionally, they may allow the patient to ambulate or may not assist with postoperative mobility. When facing this condition, several attempts are typically made to obtain a suitable device before discovering the right one for each individual patient. We present the case of a 60-year- old woman with an enteroatmospheric fistula successfully managed using Rivera's condom technique.

Descuento sexual y conductas sexuales arriesgadas en una muestra de adultos jóvenes de Colombia / Sexual Discounting and Sexual Risk Behavior in a Sample of Young Adults from Colombia / Desconto sexual e comportamento sexual de risco em uma amostra de jovens adultos da Colômbia

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la tasa de descuento sexual y evaluar la relación entre el autorreporte de conductas sexuales arriesgadas (csa) y el descuento sexual en una muestra de adultos jóvenes en Colombia. Para esto, se realizó una investigación no experimental de corte transversal y correlacional. Ciento treinta y seis participantes fueron sometidos a un cuestionario de autorreporte de conductas de riesgo sexual, a la tarea de descuento sexual (sddt) y al cuestionario de elección monetaria (mcq). Los análisis de la curva de descuento sexual demuestran que el valor de la opción de tener sexo seguro disminuye con el in-cremento en la demora en la obtención de un condón (i. e., descuento sexual). Adicionalmente, se observa que el grado de descuento sexual está asociado con csa, como el número de parejas sexuales y el número de relaciones sexuales en los últimos tres meses, y que hay una diferencia en el patrón de descuento sexual entre hombres y mujeres.

The goal of this study was to describe the rate of sexual discounting and its relation with the self-report of sexual risk behavior in a sample of young adults from Colombia. To achieve this goal, a correlational cross-sectional non-experimental study was done. One hundred thirty six young adult participants responded to a sexual risk behavior self-report questionnaire, a sexual delay discounting task (sddt), and a monetary choice questionnaire (mcq). The results suggest that the value of the safe sex option decreases with the delay to obtain a condom (i. e., sexual discounting). Additionally, it was observed that the sexual discounting rate was associated with the self-report of sexual risk behavior, like, the number of sexual partners and sexual encounters in the last three months. It was also observed a different pattern of sexual discounting between men and women

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a taxa de desconto sexual e avaliar a relação entre o autorrelato de com-portamentos sexuais de risco (csr) e o desconto sexual em uma amostra de jovens adultos na Colômbia. Para isso, foi realizada uma investigação não experimental, transversal e correlacional. 136 participantes foram submetidos a um questionário de comportamentos se-xuais de risco autorreferidos, à tarefa de desconto sexual (sddt) e ao questionário de escolha monetária (mcq). As análises da curva de desconto sexual mostram que o valor da opção de praticar sexo mais seguro diminui com o aumento do atraso na obtenção do preservativo (ou seja, desconto sexual). Adicionalmente, observa-se que o grau de desconto sexual está associado à csr, assim como o número de parceiros sexuais e o número de relações sexuais nos últimos 3 meses, e que existe uma diferença no padrão de desconto sexual entre homens e mulheres.

Balance decisional sobre el uso del condón asociado a la conducta sexual de riesgo en universitarios / Decisional balance of condom use associated with risky sexual behavior in university students

Resumen La adquisición de alguna Infección de Transmisión Sexual (ITS) y los embarazos no planificados son riesgos a los que se enfrentan los jóvenes ante la decisión de no usar condón al tener relaciones sexuales. La aproximación del balance decisional enfatiza qué costos y beneficios están asociados a la conducta sexual de riesgo. Las decisiones acerca del uso del condón son un precursor de la conducta y este proceso puede estar influido por los beneficios que se perciban sobre él. El objetivo de la presente investigación es identificar la relación de las ganancias y pérdidas del uso del condón con la conducta sexual de riesgo. Se evaluó la conducta sexual de riesgo y el uso del condón masculino en sus relaciones sexuales. Se midieron las ganancias y las pérdidas del condón con una escala de medición, en una muestra de 257 universitarios, con una edad entre 18 y 39 años (. = 22.34; DE = 3.6) de Querétaro, México. La evaluación del balance decisional indica que las ganancias son mayores que las pérdidas (costos) del uso consistente del condón en las relaciones sexuales. Se encontraron asociaciones entre las ganancias y las pérdidas con indicadores de la conducta sexual de riesgo. Se observa que los universitarios que no utilizan condón manifiestan mayores pérdidas por utilizarlo. En las ganancias, se aprecia un aumento en las puntuaciones cuando se usa condón. Lo encontrado provee apoyo para el desarrollo de intervenciones que promuevan las ganancias o beneficios para incrementar el uso consistente del condón.

Abstract The acquisition of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and unplanned pregnancies are risks that young people deal when deciding not to use a condom when having sexual intercourse. During the decision-making process, individuals value the benefits (gains) and losses (costs) associated with a behavior. Cost-benefit analysis has been investigated to examine the differential impact of gains and losses on risky behaviours. The decisional balance approach emphasizes that costs and benefits are associated with risky sexual behavior. Decisions about condom use are a precursor to behavior, and this process may be influenced by perceived benefits. In the present study, it is proposed that the balance between the benefit and the loss of condom use contributes to consistent condom use. These factors as determinants of behaviour must be considered under the cultural context in which they are carried out. The objective of this research is to identify the relationship of gains and losses from condom use with risky sexual behaviour. It was hypothesized that: 1) Young people will evaluate the benefits (gains) with higher scores compared to the losses (costs) in deciding to use a condom in sexual intercourse. 2) The gains will be greater in those college students who use a condom more frequently and the losses will not be the same among those who use a condom. To evaluate risky sexual behavior and the use of the male condom in their sexual relations were considered. Condom gains and losses were measured with a measurement scale in a sample of 257 university students, aged between 18 and 39 years (. = 22.34; SD = 3.6) from Querétaro, México. With reference to sexual behavior, it was found that 89.1 % have started their sexual activity. The average age of initiation of sexual life is 15.41 years. The frequency of sexual activity is once or twice each month. The mean of sexual partners is 4.2, with a median of 3. The 68.5 % reported using some contraceptive method and regarding the use of condoms, 27.8 % always use it and 5.7 % never use it. To evaluate the decisional balance, subtracting the gain and loss factors created a net difference score. The gain factor was subtracted from its counterpart of the loss factor to indicate the preference for having sex with a condom. The decisional balance assessment indicates that the gains are greater than the losses (costs) of consistent condom use in sexual intercourse. Associations were found between gains and losses with indicators of risky sexual behavior. It is observed that university students who do not use a condom show greater losses from using it. In gains, there is an increase in scores when using a condom. Additionally, it is observed that university students, who sometimes use a condom, show greater losses for using it, unlike those who always use it, which show low scores in the losses of using it. In gains factor, there is an increase in the scores when using a condom, that is, those who never or almost never use a condom have the lowest scores and as the scores increase, the frequency of using a condom in their sexual relations also increases. In conclusion, gains and losses from male condom use are associated with risky sexual behavior (age of sexual activity, number of partners and condom use) in the university context. The findings provide support for the development of interventions that promote gains or benefits to increase consistent condom use. It is important to consider in specific interventions those young people who decide to continue having sex without using a condom despite the costs and possible consequences of not using it.

Association between HIV Perceived Risk and Intimate Partner Violence among Women / Asociación entre Percepción de Riesgo de VIH y Violencia de Pareja en Mujeres

Abstract HIV risk perception and Intimate partner violence (IPV) are related to HIV infection in women. However, there is a lack of information regarding on the association between risk perception and IPV in the Mexican population. This study aimed to identify and characterize subgroups based on their risk perception through the analysis of latent classes and to evaluate the variables associated with HIV risk perception. An online survey was conducted to assess sexual and preventive behavior, HIV risk perception, and intimate partner violence. Three hundred thirty-two women participated; the sampling was for convenience. Two latent classes were identified: a group with risk perception (85%) and one without risk perception (14.6%). The variables associated with the risk perception were a sexual attraction to men, not having a stable partner, perceiving oneself as at risk of acquiring HIV due to sexual behavior, and the presence of IPV. HIV prevention programs for women must address the stigmas related to HIV, such as the idea that the risk only occurs when they have multiple sexual partners, promote accurate HIV risk perception and prevent IPV in all its expressions and contexts.

Resumen En mujeres, la violencia de pareja está relacionada a una mayor probabilidad de adquirir la infección por VIH. De igual forma, una inadecuada percepción de riesgo de adquirir el virus coloca a las mujeres en una situación vulnerable. Existe una falta de información ente la asociación de la VPI y la percepción de riesgo es mujeres mexicanas. Este estudio persiguió dos objetivos: el primero fue identificar y caracterizar subgrupos en función de su percepción de riesgo a través del análisis de clases latentes; el segundo objetivo consistió en evaluar las variables asociadas con la percepción de riesgo de VIH. Se realizó una encuesta en línea para evaluar el comportamiento sexual y preventivo, la percepción del riesgo de VIH y la VP. Participaron 332 mujeres; el muestreo fue por conveniencia. Se identificaron dos clases latentes: un grupo con percepción de riesgo (85%) y otro sin percepción de riesgo (14,6%). Las variables asociadas a la percepción de riesgo fueron atracción sexual por hombres, no tener pareja estable, percibirse en riesgo de adquirir el VIH por la conducta sexual y haber sufrido de violencia de pareja en los últimos seis meses. Se concluye que los programas de prevención del VIH para mujeres deben abordar los estigmas relacionados con el VIH, como la idea de que el riesgo solo ocurre cuando tienen múltiples parejas sexuales, promover una percepción precisa del riesgo del VIH y principalmente, prevenir la VP en todas sus expresiones y contextos; así como también dar atención personalizada a mujeres que ya sufren de violencia de pareja.

Sociodemographic Factors and Correlates of Condom use Among HIV Positive Men that have Sex with Men in an Urban Area

The consistent use of condoms is necessary for an individual to maximize the protection it gives in comparison to inconsistent use. This study aims to assess factors associated with condom use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed with a sample size of 209 men who have sex with men. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences analysis. The prevalence of consistent condom use was 8.6% with 89.5% using condoms sometimes. The reasons for inconsistent condom use were; inconvenience (36.8%), impeding pleasure (23.4%), and non-availability (18.2%). There was a statistically significant association between income and condom use (p=0.002). The present findings suggest that the majority of the participants had tertiary education, nevertheless, it does not state if they knew the additional benefits of using a condom. Hence, accessing more information via media, health institutions, and posts may contribute to increasing the general knowledge of the importance of consistent condom use.

Analysis of psychosocial optimization IMB model on the influencing factors of persistent condom use among men who have sex with men / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the condom use of men who have sex with men （MSM） in Shanghai， the information motivation behavioral skills model （IMB） theory was used to introduce psychosocial factors and study the relevant factors of consistent condom use （CCU） in this population. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 547 MSM in four districts of Shanghai was conducted by snowball sampling. The structural equation model based on psychosocial optimization was constructed and validated using the data collected by structured questionnaires. ResultsAmong the 547 respondents， the proportion of CCU in the past six months was 45.5%. Comparing the fitness of the initial model with that of the adjusted model， we found that the fitness of the adjusted model was good. ConclusionThe proportion of CCU among MSM in Shanghai is relatively low； In addition， information and motivation do not directly affect the CCU of this population； Only behavioral skills have a direct effect on CCU. Finally， social psychological measures should be emphasized for this population， and comprehensive and multi-level strategies should be formulated to control the spread of HIV in this population.

Condom use among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate condom use and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Fuyang District, Hangzhou City, so as to provide insights into instructing the correct use of condoms and controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS patients.@*Methods@#A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect demographic information, sexual behaviors during recent 6 months and condom use of HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in Fuyang District from May to December, 2022. Descriptive analysis was employed on the proportion of participants who insisted on using condoms at each sexual contact, and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors affecting condom use at each sexual contact.@*Results@#Totally 111 HIV/AIDS patients who received ART and had sexual contacts during recent 6 months were investigated, with a median age of 43.00 (interquartile range, 19.00) years. There were 82 males (73.87%), 63 married cases (56.76%), 52 cases with homosexual behaviors (46.85%), 110 cases insisting on using condom after ART (99.10%), 101 cases insisting on using condoms at each sexual contact (90.99%). Among 93 patients being aware of HIV infection status of all sexual partners, 93.55% of the patients insisted on using condoms at each sexual contact. Among 105 patients without sexually transmitted diseases (STD) diagnosis and treatment, 94.29% of the patients insisted on using condoms at each sexual contact. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified aware of HIV infection status of sexual partners (OR=0.046, 95%CI: 0.004-0.560), no STD diagnosis and treatment (OR=0.060, 95%CI: 0.004-0.890) as promoting factors for condom use at each sexual contact among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART.@*Conclusions@#There is a high proportion of condom use at each sexual contact among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in Fuyang District. Patients who are aware of sexual partners' HIV infection and have not received STD diagnosis and treatment are more likely to insist on using condoms at each sexual contact.

Modelo de comunicación sobre el uso del condón en hombres

El propósito de la presente investigación es proponer un modelo de los factores de la comunicación (contenido, estilo, contexto y tiempo) sobre la consistencia en el uso del condón en hombres. Participaron 1524 hombres a través de un muestreo intencionado a quienes se les invitó a responder una encuesta, posteriormente se formaron tres grupos, con diagnóstico de VIH, que se han realizado una prueba de VIH pero que su resultado es negativo, y que nunca se han hecho una prueba de detección. A través del modelamiento de ecuaciones estructurales se probó el ajuste del modelo en toda la muestra y por grupo. El primer modelo que consideró a todos los participantes se ajustó adecuadamente, al hacer este mismo análisis por grupo, los resultados fueron similares, aunque en el caso de los hombres con VIH se incorporó el tiempo de diagnóstico de VIH para un mejor ajuste del modelo. Los resultados se discuten en términos de la evidencia empírica del modelo y del diseño de programas de intervención que promuevan el uso del condón en hombres.

O propósito da presente investigação é propor um modelo de fatores de comunicação (conteúdo, estilo, contexto e tempo) sobre a consistência no uso do preservativo em homens. Participaram 1524 homens por meio de uma amostragem intencional, os quais foram convidados a responder uma pesquisa, posteriormente foram formados três grupos, com diagnóstico de HIV; que realizaram um teste de HIV, mas que seu resultado foi negativo; e que nunca fizeram um teste de detecção. Por meio da modelagem de equações estruturais, foi testado o ajuste do modelo em toda a amostra e por grupo. O primeiro modelo que considerou todos os participantes foi adequadamente ajustado, ao fazer a mesma análise por grupo, os resultados foram semelhantes, embora no caso dos homens com HIV, o tempo de diagnóstico de HIV tenha sido incorporado para um melhor ajuste do modelo. Os resultados são discutidos em termos da evidência empírica do modelo e do desenho de programas de intervenção que promovam o uso do preservativo em homens.

This research proposes a model of communication factors (content, style, context, and time) on consistent condom use in men. A total of one thousand five hundred twenty-four men answered a survey and participated through purposive sampling. Subsequently, three groups were formed: one with participants with an HIV diagnosis, another with those who have taken an HIV test but got a negative result, and the last with those who have never had an HIV detection test. We tested the model's adjustment in all the samples and then per group through modeling structural equations. We adequately adjusted the first model that considered all the participants. The results were similar when doing this same analysis per group, although, in the case of men with HIV, we included the time they were diagnosed for a better model adjustment. The results are discussed in terms of the empirical evidence of the model and the design of intervention programs that promote condom use in men.

Conocimiento y mitos del preservativo interno en población de 15 a 25 años, Región Metropolitana / Knowledge and myths of the internal condom in the population aged 15 to 25, Metropolitan Region

INTRODUCCIÓN: El preservativo interno, de vagina o femenino, es un método de barrera fabricado principalmente de poliuretano, que tiene una longitud de la funda de 17 cm y un diámetro de 7,8 cm. Se usa para tener prácticas sexuales seguras, ya que, al igual que el condón de pene, evita la gestación y disminuye el riesgo de adquirir una infección de transmisión sexual. OBJETIVO: Analizar conocimientos y mitos sobre el preservativo interno en personas de 15 a 25 años de las provincias de Santiago, Melipilla y Talagante, de la Región Metropolitana, Chile, en 2021. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de tipo cuantitativo descriptivo transversal con una muestra de cinco mujeres y cinco hombres, con un total de 110 participantes. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo como resultado que tan solo un 5% de los encuestados (6/110) ha utilizado el preservativo interno; en contraste, el de pene ha sido utilizado por el 79% de las personas participantes (87/110). Respecto a los mitos, un 55% de la población (60/110) afirma que al usar ambos preservativos aumenta su efectividad. CONCLUSIONES: Es posible concluir que factores como la edad y el nivel de educación sexual influyen en los conocimientos y mitos que giran alrededor del preservativo interno.

INTRODUCTION: The internal, vaginal or female condom is a barrier method made mainly of polyurethane, which has a sheath length of 17 cm and a diameter of 7.8 cm. It is used to have safe sexual practices, since, like the penis condom, they prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. OBJECTIVE: To analyze knowledge and myths about the internal condom in people between 15 and 25 years of age in the provinces of Santiago, Melipilla and Talagante of the Metropolitan Region, Chile, in 2021. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was carried out with a sample of 5 females and 5 males, with a total of 110 participants. RESULTS: It was obtained as a result that only 5% of the respondents (6/110) have used the internal condom; in contrast, the penis condom has been used by 79% of the participants (87/110). Regarding myths, 55% of the population (60/110) affirm that using both condoms increases their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to conclude that factors such as age and level of sexual education influence the knowledge and myths that revolve around the internal condom.

Teoría de la Conducta Planeada en la predicción del uso del condón en mujeres latinas / Theory of Planned Behavior in predicting condom use in Latin-American Women

RESUMEN Introducción: La Teoría de la Conducta Planeada (TCP) se utiliza para predecir el uso del condón. El presente estudio evaluó la TCP en un contexto cultural diferente al cual fue propuesto. Objetivo: Evaluar las relaciones causales entre las variables que propone la TCP para determinar si éstas predicen el uso consistente del condón en dos grupos de mujeres latinas e identificar las semejanzas inter grupales en ambos colectivos y las discrepancias con lo que propone el modelo para la población norteamericana. Método: Se evaluaron en dos muestras de mujeres latinas (mexicanas y argentinas) un conjunto de variables como: la consistencia del uso del condón, la intención de usarlo en el próximo encuentro sexual, la norma subjetiva de amigos y padres, las actitudes hacia el preservativo y el control conductual percibido para usarlo. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados: Se encontró que la intención del uso del condón es el mejor predictor del uso del condón. La norma subjetiva fue más importante que las actitudes; aunque esta última variable, no se configuró como un predictor en las mujeres argentinas. Conclusiones: Las asociaciones entre las variables de la TCP y los valores predictivos de las variables, pueden cambiar de acuerdo con el grupo cultural evaluado; el control conductual percibido, en ambas muestras, no resultó ser un predictor directo de la conducta para usar condón, pero si para la intención de utilizarlo. Además, se discute la relevancia de las variables que propone la TCP en relación al contexto cultural de los latinos y el uso crítico del modelo en poblaciones diferentes a la norteamericana.

ABSTRACT Background: The theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is used to predict condom use. The present study assessed the causal relationships of the TPB in a cultural context different from the one that was proposed. Objective: To assess the causal relationships among the variables proposed by the TCP to determine if they predict consistent condom use in two groups of Latina women and to identify the inter-group similarities in both groups and the discrepancies with what the model proposes for the North American population. Method: A set of variables were evaluated in two samples of Latina women (Mexican and Argentine): consistency of condom use, intention to use condoms in the next sexual encounter, the subjective norm of friends and parents, attitudes towards condoms, and perceived behavioral control to use condoms. We used the Linear regression analysis. Results: Intention to use condoms was found to be the best predictor of condom use. Subjective norm was more important than attitudes; although the latter variable was not configured as a predictor in Argentine women. Conclusion: The associations between the CTP variables and the predictive values of the variables may change according to the cultural group evaluated; perceived behavioral control, in both samples, was not a direct predictor of condom use behavior, but it was a predictor of intention to use condoms. In addition, we discussed the relevance of the variables proposed by the TCP about the cultural context of Latinos and the critical use of the model in populations other than North America.

Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in patients with genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection and analysis of related risk factors / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the changes in procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in married women with genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection and analyze the risk factors of genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection.Methods:A total of 116 married women with genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection who received treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2019 were included in the observation group. An additional 50 healthy married women who concurrently received physical examination in the same hospital were included in the control group. Serum levels of PCT and CRP were compared between the two groups. Questionnaire outcomes and the risk factors for genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection were subjected to univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis.Results:Serum levels of PCT and CRP in the observation group were (3.71 ± 0.64) μg/L and (34.26 ± 4.23) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(0.49 ± 0.16) μg/L, (4.84 ± 0.75) mg/L, t = 35.05, 48.76, both P < 0.001]. In the observation group, the proportions of women who used condom each time, who had no abortion, who had one sexual partner, who had first sexual intercourse at the age of ≥ 20 years, who had sexual intercourse ≤ 3 times/week, who had no history of unclean sexual contact, and who knew knowledge of genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection were 54.55%, 24.24%, 65.15%, 54.55%, 42.42%, 69.70%, 34.85%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [80.00%, 48.00%, 88.00%, 76.00%, 66.00%, 94.00%, 60.00%, χ2 = 9.79, 9.33, 8.81, 6.89, 7.89, 11.56, 9.32, P = 0.002, 0.009, 0.003, 0.008, 0.005, 0.001, 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that abortion frequency, number of sexual partners, age at first sexual intercourse < 20 years, frequency of sexual intercourse and history of unclean sexual contact were independent risk factors for genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection ( OR = 2.12, 3.58, 2.34, 2.84, 4.24). Frequent condom use and knowledge of genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection were protective factors for genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection ( OR = 4.03, 3.03). Conclusion:Abnormal increases in serum PCT and CRP levels in married women can be used as sensitive indicators for early diagnosis of genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection. Frequency of sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, more times of abortion, premature sexual activity, and history of unclean sexual contact are the risk factors of genital ureaplasma urealyticum infection.

Condom stigma among men who have sex with men population: Concept synthesis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#The epidemic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is severe in China. And MSM has now become a key population for the infection and transmission of AIDS. At present, the bottleneck of AIDS prevention and control among MSM population is low rate of continuous condom use and high incidence of unsafe sexual behavior. Inductive summarization of the literature revealed that the most critical reason for low rate of continuous condom use among the MSM population was condom-related stigma. Although many studies mentioned condom-related stigma among MSM populations, there has been no any definition of MSM-related condom stigma and no measurement for it. Therefore, the paper aims to explore barriers to condom use among MSM, then construct the conceptual and operational definition of "MSM-related condom stigma" through Meta synthesis and concept synthesis, and provide a new perspective for AIDS prevention and control among MSM.@*METHODS@#Based on evidence-based method, "PICoS" framework and Meta-synthesis was used to include the literatures. Then, we used synthesized qualitative evidence from included studies to construct the concept and operational definition of MSM-related condom stigma by the means of thematic analysis and concept synthesis.@*RESULTS@#According to the results of the concept synthesis, MSM-related condom stigma refers to any taboos or misbeliefs about condom use or feeling ashamed or embarrassed to talk about using condoms which perceived by individuals at the individual, interpersonal, and social levels.It was demonstrated through 4 sub-themes at operational level: a symbol of distrust, a symbol of HIV/sexual transmitted infections (STIs) prevention, a symbol of an embarrassing topic, and a symbol of violating the traditional cognition of sexual intercourse. According to the Social-ecological Model (SEM), a symbol of distrust refers to that the MSM population believes that not using condoms represents mutual trust between sexual partners, while using condoms is difficult to express intimacy, trust and loyalty between sexual partners. A symbol of HIV/STIs prevention at the interpersonal level refers to that the MSM population believes that condom use is a "symbol" for the prevention or infection of AIDS; on the one hand, if someone proposes to use condoms, he may be considered infected with HIV or have unsafe sex experiences, thus, making it difficult to propose condom use; on the other hand, if they believe that sexual partners are "AIDS free" (often a wrong perception, such as sexual partners may have the risk of AIDS infection although they do not have AIDS), it is considered that condom use is completely unnecessary. The environmental level includes a symbol of an embarrassing topic and a symbol of violating the traditional cognition of sexual intercourse. A symbol of an embarrassing topic refers to the MSM population feels shame about topics related to sexual behavior and is embarrassed to carry/buy/propose condom use or be ashamed to engage in conversations about whether to use condoms during sexual behavior. And a symbol of violating the traditional cognition of sexual intercourse: The MSM population have limitations in their perception of "sex" or "sexual behavior" and believe that real sex (behavior) is unobstructed contact between the bodies and exchange between all body fluids.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The concept of MSM-related condom stigma is proposed for the first time, and its operational definition is given. The concept includes 3 levels and 4 dimensions. It is helpful to understand MSM people's attitude and cognition towards condoms, and adds indicators with cultural sensitivity and behavioral sensitivity to the behavioral intervention for AIDS in the future.

Sexual behaviours and their associated factors among young people in the Dodowa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (DHDSS) in Ghana

Objective: This paper describes sexual behaviours and their associated factors among young people. Design: The study design is cross-sectional. Setting: Dodowa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (DHDSS) in Ghana's Shai-Osudoku and Ningo Prampram districts. Participants: Young people aged 10 to 24 years, median age 17 years. Outcome measures: Self-reported to have ever had sex, non-use of a condom at last sex, and ever been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant. Results: Of the 1689 young people; 42% reported having ever had sex, not using a condom at last sexual activity (64%), and ever been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant (41%). The proportion of non-use of condoms at last sex was high across all age groups but was highest (93%) in a small proportion of 10 to 14-year-olds who have ever had sex. Higher proportions of females than males; were reported to have ever had sex (46%), not using a condom at their last sex (66%) and ever been pregnant or getting someone pregnant (56%). Age group (20 to 24), females, primary or junior high school, living alone and lower household socio-economic status were risk factors associated with all three outcome measures. Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is high among young people in the Dodowa HDSS. Therefore, interventions that promote safer sexual practices and help young people make timely decisions on their sexual and reproductive health care needs are required.

Condom use and risk factors of inconsistent or low use of the condoms during heterosexual anal intercourse in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Anal intercourse (AI) has been reported to be the riskiest among other sexual intercourses in spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the risk could be minimized by the use of condoms. Whilst AI is believed to be practiced mainly by men who have sex with men, AI has also been reported to occur in heterosexual relationships. However, data on condom use during heterosexual AI are inadequate in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: A scoping review of English language published articles on condom use during heterosexual anal sex, whose studies were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa from January 2010 to May 2020 was conducted. Articles were searched systematically on PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. Heterosexual AI was defined as penile penetrative anal sex between a man and a woman regardless of the sexual orientation of the 2 parties involved in the act of heterosexual AI. Findings: A total of 21 studies were eligible for analysis. Most of the studies (17 out of 21) reported females to be involved in heterosexual AI whilst 9 out of 21 studies reported males to be involved in heterosexual AI. The lifetime prevalence estimates of condom use during heterosexual AI ranged from 29%-97.5%. Other prevalence estimates of condom use during heterosexual anal intercourse were reported over various recall periods which were: 12 months' recall period with prevalence estimates ranging from 2.9%-59%; prevalence estimates for the past 3 months which ranged from 50%-94.4%; 1 month's recall period with prevalence estimates ranging from 5%-96% and prevalence estimates for the last intercourse experienced ranging from 1%-55%. Condom use during heterosexual AI was generally low and/or inconsistent among female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and some women in the general population. There were no risk factors identified in the study for the inconsistent or low use of condoms during heterosexual AI. Conclusion: Evidence from this study suggests condom use during heterosexual AI could be fairly low especially among groups such as FSWs, MSMW and some women in the general population. Risk factors for using condoms inconsistently or using condoms less during heterosexual AI are not clear. Heterosexual anal intercourse and condom use during the AI practice is generally an under-studied subject in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies need to explore on heterosexual AI and condom use practices during AI comprehensively so that there can be concrete evidence on the subject which will inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing HIV among heterosexual populations in SSA