Title: The success and failure of condom use by homosexual men in San Francisco [letter]

POPLINE Document Number: 081369

Author(s):

van Griensvan GJ
Samuel MC
Winkelstein W Jr

Source citation:

JAIDS. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 1993;6(4):430-1.

Abstract:

In California, the San Francisco Men's Health Study has followed at least 807 homosexual and bisexual men since 1984. (49%) tested HIV seropositive in 1984 and 11% have since seroconverted. After researchers identified anogenital intercourse as the primary risk factor of HIV transmission among homosexual men in San Francisco, health education messages have promoted condom use. The researchers have followed the practice of anogenital insertive and receptive intercourse and condom use for at least 13 examination cycles (each cycle = 6 months). During cycle 1 (1984) 68% either ejaculated or received ejaculate during anogenital intercourse, but by cycle 7 (1987), this figure had fallen to and stabilized at 30% throughout the remaining cycles. At cycle 1, 33% of HIV seropositive men used a condom at least once during anogenital insertive intercourse with ejaculation compared with 18% of HIV seronegatives. By cycle 7, these percentages increased to 90% and 77%, respectively. After cycle 7, the percentages neither decreased nor increased. Regardless of the cycle, a higher percentage of HIV seropositive men used condoms than did HIV seronegative men. 13% of men who used condoms experienced condom breakage during 1 cycle. This percentage increased consistently to 59% among men who used condoms during 8 cycles. 5% of men who used condoms during 1 cycle began anogenital intercourse before putting on a condom. This figure was 44% for 8 cycles. This study indicated that men responded quickly and appropriately to health education messages about the primary risk of HIV transmission in their population group. It also showed that HIV seropositive men were more likely to use condoms than were HIV seronegative men. On the other hand, it also showed a deficient response to properly putting on or use of a condom to reduce condom breakage and to initiating intercourse prior to putting on a condom.

Keywords:

United States
California
Research Report
Prospective Studies
Cohort Analysis
HIV Transmission
AIDS
Homosexuals
Condom
Men
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Studies
Research Methodology
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Demographic Factors
Population