Brian Mustanski1, Daniel T Ryan, Robert Garofalo. 1. From the *Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; and †Anne and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use is the most widely available means of preventing the transmission of STIs, but effectiveness depends on correct use. Condom errors such as using an oil-based lubricant have been associated with condom failures such as breakage. Little research has been done on the impact of condom problems on the likelihood of contracting an STI. METHODS: Data came from Crew 450, a longitudinal study of HIV risk among YMSM (N = 450). All self-report data were collected using computer-assisted self-interview technology, and clinical testing was done for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. RESULTS: Nearly all participants made at least 1 error, with high rates of using oil-based lubricant and incomplete use. No differences were found in rates of condom problems during anal sex with a man versus vaginal sex with a woman. Black YMSM reported significantly higher use of oil-based lubricants than white and Hispanic YMSM, an error significantly associated with HIV status (adjusted odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-6.51). Participants who reported a condom failure were significantly more likely to have an STI (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-8.12). CONCLUSIONS: Young men who have sex with men report high rates of condom problems, and condom failures were significantly associated with STIs after controlling for unprotected sex. Educational programs are needed to enhance correct condom use among YMSM. Further research is needed on the role of oil-based lubricants in explaining racial disparities in STIs and HIV.
BACKGROUND: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use is the most widely available means of preventing the transmission of STIs, but effectiveness depends on correct use. Condom errors such as using an oil-based lubricant have been associated with condom failures such as breakage. Little research has been done on the impact of condom problems on the likelihood of contracting an STI. METHODS: Data came from Crew 450, a longitudinal study of HIV risk among YMSM (N = 450). All self-report data were collected using computer-assisted self-interview technology, and clinical testing was done for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. RESULTS: Nearly all participants made at least 1 error, with high rates of using oil-based lubricant and incomplete use. No differences were found in rates of condom problems during anal sex with a man versus vaginal sex with a woman. Black YMSM reported significantly higher use of oil-based lubricants than white and Hispanic YMSM, an error significantly associated with HIV status (adjusted odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-6.51). Participants who reported a condom failure were significantly more likely to have an STI (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-8.12). CONCLUSIONS: Young men who have sex with men report high rates of condom problems, and condom failures were significantly associated with STIs after controlling for unprotected sex. Educational programs are needed to enhance correct condom use among YMSM. Further research is needed on the role of oil-based lubricants in explaining racial disparities in STIs and HIV.
Authors: R A Crosby; W L Yarber; S A Sanders; C A Graham; K McBride; R R Milhausen; J N Arno Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2006-07-26 Impact factor: 3.519
Authors: M S Cohen; I F Hoffman; R A Royce; P Kazembe; J R Dyer; C C Daly; D Zimba; P L Vernazza; M Maida; S A Fiscus; J J Eron Journal: Lancet Date: 1997-06-28 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: A Spruyt; M J Steiner; C Joanis; L H Glover; C Piedrahita; G Alvarado; R Ramos; C Maglaya; M Cordero Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 1998-02 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Lorrie Gavin; Andrea P MacKay; Kathryn Brown; Sara Harrier; Stephanie J Ventura; Laura Kann; Maria Rangel; Stuart Berman; Patricia Dittus; Nicole Liddon; Lauri Markowitz; Maya Sternberg; Hillard Weinstock; Corinne David-Ferdon; George Ryan Journal: MMWR Surveill Summ Date: 2009-07-17
Authors: Richard A Crosby; Stephanie A Sanders; William L Yarber; Cynthia A Graham; Brian Dodge Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2002-09 Impact factor: 2.830
Authors: Krystal Madkins; George J Greene; Eric Hall; Ruben Jimenez; Jeffrey T Parsons; Patrick S Sullivan; Brian Mustanski Journal: Arch Sex Behav Date: 2018-08-01
Authors: George J Greene; Greg Swann; Angela J Fought; Alex Carballo-Diéguez; Thomas J Hope; Patrick F Kiser; Brian Mustanski; Richard T D'Aquila Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2017-05
Authors: J L Stewart; Deshira D Wallace; Abby Nance; Christine A Schalkoff; Breana J Uhrig Castonguay; Laura Widman; Michael P Carey; Carol E Golin Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2021-11-03
Authors: Alfonso C Hernández-Romieu; Aaron J Siegler; Patrick S Sullivan; Richard Crosby; Eli S Rosenberg Journal: Sex Transm Infect Date: 2014-07-30 Impact factor: 3.519