Determinants of Behavior Change Intention Among Heterosexual Thai Males Diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Diseases

High Prevalence of Inconsistent Condom Use With Regular Female Sex Partners Among Heterosexual Male Sexually Transmitted Disease Patients in Southern China

This study was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with inconsistent condom use with regular female sex partners (RPs) among heterosexual male STD patients (MSTDPs) in China. We interviewed 413 MSTDPs who had had sex with at least one RP and had received a diagnosis within the past week to six months. The prevalence of inconsistent condom use with RPs was 42.9% since STD diagnosis. Associated factors included perceptions related to condom use, regret about the decision of having unprotected sex with RP, and perceived personal partners' responsibility of using condoms.

The Effect of a Brief HIV Prevention Program on Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Thai Men Diagnosed With Sexually Transmitted Infections

PURPOSE

Men diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at greater risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and STIs reinfection. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a brief human immunodeficiency virus (B-HIV) prevention program on HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge, perceived benefits of condom use, risk reduction self-efficacy, risk reduction behaviors, and reinfection rate among Thai men with STIs.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental design was conducted. Participants were selected from men with STI symptoms. They were randomly assigned to a B-HIV prevention program or usual care, 100 each. The program consisted of 3 modules. Key messages for HIV prevention were sent weekly through Line. Outcomes were HIV and STI knowledge, perceived benefits of condom use, risk reduction self-efficacy, risk reduction behaviors (condom use, the number of sexual partners, and condomless sex), and STI reinfection rate. Independent t-test and binary logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

The B-HIV prevention program significantly increased HIV and STI knowledge and resulted in perception of greater benefits from condoms and greater risk reduction self-efficacy. Program participants used condoms more frequently with many types of partners, especially with casual partners and sex workers. The intervention group practiced condomless sex less frequently than the control group. The program did not improve participants' condom use with lovers/steady partners and did not decrease the number of sexual partners and STI reinfection rate at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A B-HIV prevention program could reduce the risk of HIV infection among male clients with current STIs by enhancing their condom use with casual partners and sex workers. Strategies to improve condom use with lovers/steady partners among this high-risk population is needed.