RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Infection by HIV and other STIs and unplanned pregnancies are among the most serious problems associated with sexuality. Male and female condoms are the only dual-purpose devices to control both unplanned pregnancies and STIs, and studying people's attitudes toward the use of these devices are excellent ways to predict their use. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to adapt and validate the Female Condom Attitude Scale for Spanish language and to evaluate the use of female condoms in Colombian population. METHODS: For that purpose, a total of 387 Colombian women aged 23.68 years in average were asked to respond to the Female Condom Attitude Scale, the Sexual Opinion Survey, and the UCLA Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale. RESULTS: The use of female condom in Colombia is very low; only 5.10% of the surveyed women had used it at least once. On the other hand, results revealed a five-factor dimensionality (Sexual pleasure enhancement, Inconvenience, Improved prophylaxis, Sexual pleasure inhibition, and Insertion reluctance) with alphas between .81 and .96. The scale also showed adequate psychometric properties and criterion validity. No relationship was found between attitudes toward female condom and attitudes toward male condom. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish adaptation of the Female Condom Attitude Scale was found to be reliable and valid in a sample of young women.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Contraceptivo/psicologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários/normas , Adulto , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Colômbia , Feminino , Humanos , Idioma , Psicometria , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/psicologia , Traduções , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Despite evidence of the potential of the female condom as a method that effectively protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and pregnancy, it is still not widely available. We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 sex workers, 15 male clients, and seven partners in the Dominican Republic to assess the acceptability of the female condom. The majority of the sex workers found the female condom acceptable and welcomed the option of a female-controlled method. Clients and partners of the sex workers were also positive about the female condom and, particularly with regard to pleasure; almost all preferred it to the male condom. These findings suggest that the female condom offers an acceptable option for protection against HIV, STIs, and pregnancy. The positive attitudes of women and men could be developed into messages in marketing campaigns for the female condom, targeting not only vulnerable groups but also the general population.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/provisão & distribuição , Trabalho Sexual , Profissionais do Sexo , Parceiros Sexuais , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Adolescente , Adulto , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento do Consumidor , República Dominicana , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Sexo Seguro , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of women prisoners regarding the use of female and male condoms as a means of prevention against STD/HIV. This quantitative and evaluative Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study included 155 female prisoners. Data collection was performed between January and March 2010 at the State of Ceará Women's Penitentiary. Although the women had heard of and/or knew about the purposes of the use of condoms, only 35 (22.6%) had appropriate knowledge regarding male condoms, and 11 (7.1%) in regards to the use of female condoms. Their attitudes were less favorable regarding oral sex. Appropriate practice was not significantly representative, particularly regarding the female condom. Homo/bisexuality, gender issues, lack of knowledge, and the difficult access to condoms are obstacles that must be considered in the promotion of sexual health in the studied group.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Prisioneiros , Adulto , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
Little is known about female condom use among female sex workers who inject drugs (FSW-IDUs) in Northern Mexico, where HIV/STI prevalence is high. We examined the prevalence and correlates of female condom use and interest in female condom use among FSW-IDUs aged >18 years in Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico enrolled in a behavioral intervention designed to reduce high-risk sexual and injection behaviors. Of 621 FSW-IDUs, 8 % reported ever using female condoms, and 67.2 % expressed interest in trying female condoms. Factors independently associated with female condom use were having had a client become angry at the suggestion of using condoms and having engaged in unprotected vaginal sex with non-regular clients. Factors independently associated with interest in using female condoms were lifetime physical abuse and lifetime sexual abuse. Increasing the availability of female condoms and providing education on their use in the context of drug use and violence is recommended.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Usuários de Drogas/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/psicologia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Usuários de Drogas/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Modelos Logísticos , México/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , População UrbanaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Outside of abstinence, correct and consistent condom use is the single most effective tool to prevent the transmission human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is particularly true in countries such as Belize where incidence rates remain high. Women are physiologically at higher risk for HIV, and many feel powerless to insist on condom use. Although nurses are in a position to promote condom use, variables that influence this decision are not clearly understood. In this study, we examined variables that influence a nurses' self-efficacy to promote and teach condom use to women specifically to reduce their HIV risk. METHODS: Data related to self-efficacy, vicarious experience related to condom use promotion and a nurse's sexual relationship power were collected from nurses practising in Belize (n = 60). These data were cross-sectional and collected at the annual nurses' conference. RESULTS: Both years of nursing education and positive vicarious experience promoting and teaching condom use to women were positively correlated to their self-efficacy to do so. Vicarious experience was significantly correlated to self-efficacy in a subgroup of nurses with lower sexual relationship power but not in those with higher sexual relationship power. CONCLUSIONS: When designing HIV continuing education programmes for nurses in Belize, it is important to consider level of nursing education and access to vicarious experience such as mentoring and role modelling. An additional factor to consider is the influence that a nurse's power in her own primary sexual relationship may play in the formation of her self-efficacy.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros/psicologia , Autoeficácia , Educação Sexual , Adulto , Belize , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/enfermagem , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Formative research was conducted in El Salvador and Nicaragua to inform promotion of female condoms to sex workers. Two rounds of focus groups with sex workers were conducted, with female condom training and supplies provided. Structured interviews with sex workers and direct observations of health educators were conducted. One third of sex acts were protected with female condoms in the previous 7 days. Women recommended nonpaying partners as "first try" partners but most frequently reported trying female condoms with clients. With clients, women preferred female condoms over male condoms but expressed no preference with nonpaying partners. Lack of exposure to female condoms among men and women was cited as a key barrier to female condom use. Strategies for persuading all partner types to try the female condom are suggested, and we provided promotional messages, based on results, to assist sex workers in introducing female condoms to different partners.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos , Promoção da Saúde , Trabalho Sexual , Adulto , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , El Salvador , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Negociação , NicaráguaRESUMO
CONTEXT: Female condoms have a potential role in reducing HIV infection among female sex workers in Central America. Research on how to introduce female condoms to this population is warranted. METHODS: Two rounds of focus groups with sex workers (115 in round one and 81 in round two) were conducted in El Salvador and Nicaragua in 2007-2008. In addition, we conducted structured interviews with 95 sex workers and direct observations of six health educators. RESULTS: Women reported that the design of the female condom made insertion and removal difficult to learn. About one-third of participants reported inserting it for the first time alone. Most women reported practicing 2-10 times before feeling skilled enough to use it with partners. Positive perceptions included lubrication, size, comfort and strength. Negative perceptions included the large package, initial physical discomfort and the possibility that the device would scare clients away. The participants preferred to learn to use female condoms from an instructional brochure plus instructor-led training in their workplace. They cited lack of exposure to female condoms among men and women as a barrier to female condom use and recommended education for both men and women; they also recommended distribution of female condoms at places where male condoms are available. CONCLUSIONS: If provisions are made for instructing women on female condom use in places where women will not feel stigmatized, and if supplies are easily and consistently available, uptake of the female condom among female sex workers in Central America seems likely. Health educators' use of promotional tools such as checklists and standardized messages is strongly recommended.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Trabalho Sexual , Adolescente , Adulto , América Central , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
To assess the acceptability and use of the female condom and diaphragm among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic, 243 participants were followed for 5 months. Participants received female and male condoms and a diaphragm along with proper counseling at monthly visits. Seventy-six percent reported used of female condom at least once during the final month of the study, compared with 50% that used the diaphragm with male condoms and 9% that used the diaphragm alone. The proportion of women reporting every sex act protected with some barrier method increased from 66% at first month to 77% at final month (p < 0.05). Participants reported higher acceptability and use of the female condom than the diaphragm. The introduction of female-controlled barrier methods resulted in the use of a wide range of prevention methods and a significant reduction in unprotected sex.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Dispositivos Anticoncepcionais Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Trabalho Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Administração Intravaginal , Adolescente , Adulto , Anti-Infecciosos Locais/administração & dosagem , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Contraceptivo/estatística & dados numéricos , República Dominicana , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Cremes, Espumas e Géis Vaginais/administração & dosagem , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the levels, tendencies and sociodemographic differentials of condom use among the Brazilian urban population. METHODS: The data analyzed was collected in 1998 and 2005, in the study, "Sexual Behavior and Perceptions of the Brazilian Population concerning HIV/Aids". The probabilistic samples, in multiple stages, included men and women aged 16 to 65 years old, living in urban areas. Interviews with individuals that had been sexually active during the 12 months preceding the interview were included in the analysis. The univariate models were based on chi-square tests, corrected by sample planning, and odds ratio calculations; multivariate analysis involved adjustment of logistic regression models, controlling all other interest variables. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the use of condoms in the 12 months preceding the interview and at the last sexual intercourse. Young people from 16 to 24 years of age protected themselves more in sexual intercourse, particularly with eventual partners. Men used condoms more frequently only when they had an eventual partner. The use of condoms was more frequent among single people. There were no regional differences with respect to the consistent use of the condom. In stable relationships Pentecostals reveal the least amount of protection in sexual intercourse. People who have no religious affiliation or adepts of other religions have higher rates of protection. Level of education, an important differential with respect to the use of condoms in 1998, maintained its prominence in 2005. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the need for greater in depth discussion concerning actions that are geared towards increasing the consistent use of condoms, particularly among populations with lower educational levels and those that are more vulnerable, such as young women or women in stable relationships.
Assuntos
Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/prevenção & controle , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribuição por Idade , Idoso , Brasil , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estado Civil , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sexo Seguro/psicologia , Sexo Seguro/estatística & dados numéricos , Distribuição por Sexo , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Fatores Socioeconômicos , População Urbana , Populações Vulneráveis , Adulto JovemRESUMO
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of contraceptive use by adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed from March to September 2002 in a representative sample of adolescents 15 to 18 years of age in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Multiple-stage sampling was used, and in the 448 census tracts located in the urban area, 90 were sampled and households were visited in each tract. Information was collected on sexual initiation and use of contraceptive methods. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions. The sample included 960 adolescents. 88% of subjects reported the use of any contraceptive method. Condoms were the most commonly used method (63.2%). Low adolescent schooling was the only variable associated with increased risk of non-use of contraceptives. Condom use was higher among males, adolescents whose mothers had 9 or more years of schooling, and those reporting several sexual partners in the previous year. Condoms were the most commonly used contraceptive method.
Assuntos
Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Contraceptivo/estatística & dados numéricos , Anticoncepção/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Brasil , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Dispositivos Anticoncepcionais , Escolaridade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Assunção de Riscos , Distribuição por Sexo , Fatores Sexuais , Parceiros Sexuais , Classe SocialRESUMO
A nationwide effort to introduce the female condom (FC) into public health services was undertaken in Brazil in 1998-99. To this end, the Ministry of Health sponsored a national research group of public health professionals, aided by local field workers and supervisors, to conduct a preparatory study at 20 sites in six cities. Clinic health workers were trained to conduct the study. Following an educational session, 2382 women volunteered to use the FC and to report their experiences at follow-up. Among those seen at 15 days, 1782 had used the FC at least once; among those seen at the 90-day follow-up, 1453 women had used it at least once, while 1296 of them liked it and wished to continue its use. Among these 1296 women, barrier use at last intercourse (either with a male or a female condom) was more than double at 90 days what it had been at baseline: 70% compared with 33%. Clinics providing active health-education activities achieved higher rates of follow-up and of FC acceptability. These findings suggest that in Brazil, the introduction of the FC at public health centres could lead to high initial adoption rates and that continued use would be effective in encouraging safer sex. The level of health education and type of clinic are likely to influence the effectiveness of a future programme.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Satisfação do Paciente , Sexo Seguro , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil , Serviços de Saúde Comunitária , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Saúde Pública , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controleRESUMO
We carried out an evaluative study on factors associated with long-term use of female condoms for STI/HIV prevention. A total of 255 women and 29 men who were using female condoms for at least 4 months participated in qualitative/quantitative interviews. The study was conducted in six Brazilian cities. Four primary themes were identified as influencing acceptability and adoption of the female condom: (1) personal "assistance" (counseling) during the early adoption phase; (2) safety; (3) pleasure; and (4) increased sense of power for safer sex negotiation. Alternate use of male and female condoms was the norm among participants, but for approximately one third of the sample, the female condom was the preferred option for safer sex. The study findings suggest that providing clients with explicit and sustained intervention strategies may have a decisive influence on long-term adoption of female condoms.
Assuntos
Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Populações Vulneráveis , Adulto , Brasil , Aconselhamento , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Sexo SeguroRESUMO
The study evaluates the Brazilian response to the targets established by UNGASS for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The analysis was based on national research, documents and information from the National Program STD/AIDS and on state-level action plans and targets. Brazil relies on various prevention policies to attain the UNGASS targets proposed for 2005. These include: addressing discrimination issues, promotion of HIV testing, distribution of condoms, needle exchange programs, discussion of sexuality in schools, prevention initiatives for sex workers and homosexuals and prevention in the workplace. These have resulted in increases in testing and condom use. Various challenges are discussed, including: overcoming discontinuity in action plans (particularly with more vulnerable groups), training prevention teams, increasing monitoring of quantity and quality of preventative actions and overcoming regional, racial and gender inequalities. It is concluded that the right to prevention is not a public priority, nor is it on the social movement agendas. This contrasts with the right to better HIV treatment. In order to increase the efficacy of these programs, it is suggested that they be understood and incorporated based on the promotion and guarantee of human rights, thereby advancing the ethical/political debate at local and national levels.
Assuntos
Dispositivos Anticoncepcionais/provisão & distribuição , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Programas Nacionais de Saúde/organização & administração , Populações Vulneráveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Sorodiagnóstico da AIDS , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/prevenção & controle , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Preservativos/provisão & distribuição , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Preservativos Femininos/provisão & distribuição , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Direitos Humanos , Humanos , Masculino , Educação Sexual , Trabalho Sexual , Comportamento SexualRESUMO
Terceira idade: não leve um baile do HIV faz alusão ao recente movimento de homens e mulheres da terceira de idade, que depois de décadas de um convívio social restrito à família ou ao trabalho, resolvem frequentar salão de bailes e outros ambientes, sem os devidos cuidados que a vida pós-moderna impôs às pessoas nos últimos anos, em razão do advento da AIDS. São homens e mulheres acostumados a terem relações sexuais sem o uso de preservativo.
Assuntos
Humanos , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Idoso , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/prevenção & controle , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/transmissão , Serviços de Saúde para Idosos , Comportamento Sexual , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/diagnóstico , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/epidemiologia , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/prevenção & controle , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/transmissão , Disfunções Sexuais Psicogênicas/psicologia , Disfunções Sexuais Psicogênicas/tratamento farmacológico , Grupos de Autoajuda , Saúde do Idoso , Preservativos Femininos/estatística & dados numéricos , Preservativos Femininos/tendências , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Preservativos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Fatores de Risco , Sexualidade , AcolhimentoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To study HIV-positive women and women at risk of becoming infected with HIV who attended HIV prevention education group sessions at a university hospital in Brazil and to compare the use of the female condom and the male condom by these two groups of women. METHODS: The study subjects were 165 women participating in HIV prevention education group sessions at the Medical School Hospital of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo, in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Women could be enrolled in the study from August 2000 to June 2001, and the follow-up observation time period was from August 2000 to July 2001. Male condoms and female condoms were freely distributed to all the participants at the end of each educational session and also at the end of each follow-up visit that the participants made. Each woman took part in an initial interview and was asked to return monthly. At each follow-up visit an additional short interview was carried out in order to investigate use of the male condom and of the female condom. Variables that were examined for the study included age, education, ethnic group, marital or relationship status, number of children, the women's use of male condoms and female condoms, commercial sex (whether the women had ever had sex in exchange for money, gifts, or favors), and previous knowledge of the female condom. RESULTS: The 165 women studied fell into the following three categories: 132 of them (80.0%) were HIV-positive, 26 of them (15.8%) had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) other than HIV and did not have an HIV-positive partner, and 7 of them (4.2%) had an HIV-positive partner but did not have HIV or any other STD. The women ranged in age from 15 to 64 years, with a mean of 30.3 years. Of the women in the study, 69.7% of them were married or were cohabitating, and 90.9% of them had a sexual partner. Just over two-thirds of the women had seven years of formal schooling or less. Out of 163 women, a total of 31 of them (19.0%) had never used the male condom with a partner, and 49 of the 163 (30.1%) had not used a male condom at the time of the last sexual intercourse. Out of the 165 women, 74 of them (44.8%) returned for at least one follow-up visit. Of these 74 women, 58 of them (78.3%) reported using the female condom between the initial interview and the first follow-up visit. The majority of the 74 women who returned for a visit liked using the female condom, and the women reported that their partners also generally accepted the female condom. In comparison to women at risk of HIV, HIV-positive women were more likely to have used the male condom with a partner before the initial interview. Women who continued returning over a longer follow-up period were more likely to have used the female condom at the time of the last sexual intercourse. No association was found between female condom use at the time of last sexual intercourse and the woman's HIV infection status. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the women at risk of HIV, the HIV-positive women in our study were more likely to use male condoms with their partners, to return for follow-up visits, and to have a longer follow-up period. The acceptance of the female condom among the HIV-positive women in this study, as reported at their first follow-up visit, appears to be similar to the acceptance of the female condom among women in general in Brazil.