Condom Acquisition and Preferences within a Sample of Sexually Active Gay and Bisexual Men in the Southern United States

Abstract

Health departments, community-based organizations (CBOs), and AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in the United States and abroad distribute large quantities of free condoms to sexually active individuals; however, little is known about where individuals who use condoms actually acquire them. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) study was designed to identify factors associated with the use of free condoms during most recent anal intercourse among self-identifying gay and bisexual men who reported condom use. Data were collected using targeted intercept interviewing during North Carolina Pride Festival events in Fall 2006, using the North Carolina Condom Acquisition and Preferences Assessment (NC-CAPA). Of the 606 participants who completed the assessment, 285 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of participants was 33 (+/-10.8) years. The sample was predominantly white (80%), 50% reported being single or not dating anyone special, and 38% reported the use of free condoms during most recent anal intercourse. In multivariable analysis, participants who reported using free condoms during most recent anal sex were more likely to report increased age; dating someone special or being partnered; and having multiple male sexual partners in the past 3 months. These participants were less likely to report ever having had a sexually transmitted disease. Despite being in the third decade of the HIV epidemic, little is known about condom acquisition among, and condom preferences of, gay and bisexual men who use condoms. Although more research is needed, our findings illustrate the importance of free condom distribution.

NYC Condom Use and Satisfaction and Demand for Alternative Condom Products in New York City Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics

“…One 2007 study of brand and color preference was conducted only in African American MSM, who preferred Trojan brand and non-colored condoms. 11 In a 1993 study of men of all sexual orientations, Grady et al gave respondents a list of condom characteristics and asked them to choose all characteristics that they look for when selecting a condom. Only three characteristics included could be considered separate condom types-thin, color, and ribbed-the rest were general condom characteristics (e.g., easy to put on, stays on, etc.).…”

Patterns of Condom Acquisition by Condom-Using Men in the United States

“…This sample varied significantly from the recent study by Rhodes and colleagues, 10 in that ours primarily comprised heterosexually identified men, given that we collected data nationally rather than at GLBT events. However, consistent with that study's findings, men who identified as gay or bisexual were more likely to report that condoms they had used recently had been acquired only from free sources, although heterosexual men also reported frequently accessing free condoms.…”

“…9 Expansive condomdistribution campaigns have been implemented by those typically leading HIV-and STI-prevention efforts in such communities, such as local health departments, STI and HIV treatment clinics, and other community-based agencies focused on sexual health. 10 A recent study found that 69% of individuals who had received a condom during a city-led distribution program in New York reported having used the condom, providing evidence that condom-distribution and -marketing campaigns are effective mechanisms for driving actual condom use. 11 Condoms may be acquired, often at no cost, through these campaigns implemented by public health organizations.…”

“…12 The only study that has focused on condom acquisition among adult American men examined the issue among men who have sex with men (MSM), all of whom were recruited from a large gay-pride event in the southeastern United States. 10 Other research on access to condoms has been conducted in other countries with high HIV prevalence that have more limited formal public health structures. 13 Others have included concepts related to condom access in their research, such as those who have considered the nonacquisition of condoms before sexual activity to be a ''condom error.''…”

Community-Based Participatory Research: A New and Not-So-New Approach to HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, and Treatment

“…A distinctive feature of CBPR is that research should move towards action through translation of findings into their application in the community (Arcury, Austin, Quandt, & Saavedra, 1999; Cornwall & Jewkes, 1995; Israel, Eng, Schulz, & Parker, 2005; Minkler, 2005; Rhodes, Eng, et al, 2007; Rhodes, et al, 2006; Rhodes, Hergenrather, Yee, et al, 2007; Solomon, Card, & Malow, 2006; Viswanathan, et al, 2004). Such action may include further research to understand phenomena to intervene more effectively; or intervention development, implementation, and/or evaluation.…”