RESUMO
Concurrent sexual partnerships allow for enhanced transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use dynamics in this context may be an important factor for transmission of HIV. We conducted a cross-sectional study to describe the frequency of concurrency among high-risk heterosexual women in Houston, Texas and determine the factors associated with condom use. A total of 553 participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and completed an anonymous questionnaire; 256 (49%) were identified as having a concurrent partnership. The prevalence of condom use at last sexual encounter was 26%. Women were significantly more likely to use condoms if their sexual encounter was with a casual partner and if alcohol and/or drugs were not used. The high prevalence of concurrent partnerships suggests the presence of a dense sexual network which may enable the rapid spread of STIs and HIV. The risk of transmission may be additionally increased due to the low prevalence of condom use.
Assuntos
Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Heterossexualidade/psicologia , Heterossexualidade/estatística & dados numéricos , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Negro ou Afro-Americano , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde/etnologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Heterossexualidade/etnologia , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pobreza , Fatores de Risco , Assunção de Riscos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Texas , População Urbana , Adulto JovemRESUMO
We studied a convenience sample of 54 HIV-positive men, recruited from HIV/AIDS community based service organizations. Data were collected on HIV risk factors and suicidal behaviours. Fifty-nine percent of the sample reported ever thinking about suicide, and 50% of those individuals reported attempting suicide at some point in their lives. Suicide ideation and attempts were more common among white participants. Suicidal behaviours were prevalent in this sample suggesting a need for mental health and suicide interventions targeted for this population.
Assuntos
Soropositividade para HIV/psicologia , Tentativa de Suicídio/psicologia , Adulto , Soropositividade para HIV/epidemiologia , Heterossexualidade/estatística & dados numéricos , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Prevalência , Assunção de Riscos , Tentativa de Suicídio/etnologia , Tentativa de Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Texas/epidemiologiaRESUMO
There is a paucity of literature regarding partner violence among males that identifies the sex and relationship of their partner(s). We studied a convenience sample of 54 HIV-infected men, recruited from HIV/AIDS service organizations. Using a standard questionnaire, we collected data on HIV risk behaviours and self-reports of acts of partner violence and forced sex. Physical violence perpetrated by a primary or a casual partner was reported by 39% and 17% of the sample, respectively. Life-time forced sex by a primary or casual partner was reported by 32% and 15% of the sample, respectively. Forced sex was more commonly reported by participants who were non-white and reported a higher number of primary partners in the previous 12 months. We recommend that health care providers be aware of the high rates of intimate partner violence among men infected or at risk of infection with HIV.
