Determination of factors associated with condom use among women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Summary: To better understand potential barriers to condom use and the sexual behaviour of women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an anonymous self-administered survey was performed on a convenience sample of 83 predominantly single HIV+ women. Most women had only one sexual partner who usually knew of the subject's serostatus. Only a minority of partners (26%) were known to also be HIV infected. Subjects were surprisingly more likely to use condoms with their main partner as opposed to other partners. Factors found to be associated with condom non-use included younger age, low education level, partner HIV+, history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and use of drugs or alcohol during sex. Although most subjects indicated the decision was mutual when deciding not to use a condom, 20% stated it a was a partner decision. Future intervention efforts should target these identified high-risk individuals and optimally involve the partners of HIV-infected women.