Gender Differences in Determinants of Condom Use Among HIV Clients in Uganda

Abstract

Little research has examined gender differences in reporting of condom use, which is the goal of our analysis. A baseline study was conducted in two urban clinics and we examined data from sexually active clients entering HIV care who enrolled in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The primary outcome was consistent condom use and determinant variables were demographics, physical health and immune status, economic well-being, relationship characteristics, psychosocial functioning, and self-efficacy. Of 280 participants, 129 were males and 151 females, and 41.7% had at least some secondary education; 60.7% did not always use condoms. Nearly half (48.1%) of men reported always using condoms compared to 31.8% of females. In bivariate analyses, men who consistently use condoms were more likely to be working, have a primary partner who was HIV negative, to have disclosed their HIV status to their primary partner, and to have higher general self-efficacy and condom use self-efficacy compared to men who did not always use condoms. Higher general self-efficacy and condom use self-efficacy were the only variables associated with reported consistent condom use among women. In regression analysis, working in the last 7 days, general self efficacy, and condom use self-efficacy were associated with consistent condom use among men. These findings reveal low rates of consistent condom use among people living with HIV, and a gender difference with men more likely to report consistent condom use. These data suggest the need for gender sensitive prevention programs and strategies, including programs that can provide women with greater control and self-efficacy regarding use of protective methods.

Contraception Use among Iranian Women With HIV: A Qualitative Study

“…Results of this study revealed that except for participants with healthy husbands (HIV negative), other participants were not constantly using condoms. Various studies also revealed that one quarter to three quarters of women with HIV were not constantly using condoms for sexual intercourse ( Ayiga, 2012 ; Chakrapani, Newman, Shunmugam, & Dubrow, 2010 ; Walusaga, Kyohangirwe, & Wagner, 2012 ). Obstacles in the way of using condoms in this research were the unwillingness of males to use condom (due to a reduction in sexual desire), the belief in ineffectiveness of condom, and lack of disclosure of HIV status (as a result of a lack of responsiveness) to one’s sexual partner.…”

Disclosure, Knowledge of Partner Status, and Condom Use Among HIV-Positive Patients Attending Clinical Care in Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia

“…34,35 Rates of consistent condom use also vary by gender, with men reporting higher rates than women. 36,37 Negotiating condom use is particularly difficult for women who have not disclosed their HIV status to their partners. 19,38 These studies highlight the need to offer PLHIV prevention messages and services in order to reduce HIV risk behavior among this population.…”

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Condom Self-Efficacy Scale: application to Brazilian adolescents and young adults

“…This finding supports the evidence appointed in a study that involved 508 male and female participants in Uganda. When comparing the consistent condom use between men and women, the score for men was 48.1%, against 31.8% for women 14 . This difference according to sex involves cultural aspects, as men are stimulated early to have sexual relations, while women are discouraged.…”