Factors associated with condom use to prevent HIV infection: An online survey of Filipino men who have sex with men

ABSTRACT

@#The steady rise in newly-diagnosed cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been historically associated with Men-who-have- sex-with-men (MSM) in the Philippines. This has been attributed to low condom use despite longstanding guidance on their efficacy in preventing the spread of HIV among other sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of the study was to describe the sociodemographic and sexual characteristics of an online sample of Filipino MSM, and identify which factors are significantly associated with condom use at last sexual intercourse. Purposive sampling through referrals within the MSM community resulted in a sample of 491 Filipino MSMs. Bivariate analysis revealed that MSM's civil status, gender expression, relationship status, their predominant sexual position, and the sexes of their sexual partners are significantly associated with the use or non-use of condoms during their last sexual intercourse. The study may prove to be beneficial to public health leaders in the implementation of a comprehensive group of interventions to increase condom use.