A cross-sectional study to evaluate factors related to condom use with commercial sexual partners in workers from Ecuadorian companies

Abstract

BackgroundUnprotected intercourse with sex workers is one of the major risk factors for HIV infection. Consistent condom use is a prerequisite to lower the incidence of HIV.MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of condom use and its determinants among company workers engaged with commercial sexual partners in Ecuador. The study was based on a random sample of 115 companies and 1,732 workers stratified by province and working sector and utilized the “Behavioral Surveillance Surveys – Adult questionnaire” developed by Family Health International.ResultsOf the 1,561 sexually active workers, 311 (19.9 %) reported having intercourse with sex workers. Among them 25.9 % did not use a condom at the last sexual intercourse. As for condom use frequency over the last 12 months, 29/208 (13.9 %) reported never, 23 (11.1 %) sometimes, 24 (11.5 %) almost every time and 132 (63.5 %) every time. Factors adversely affecting condom use frequency over the last 12 months were female gender (OR = 4.56, 95 % CI: 1.45-14.4), older age (OR = 1.07, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.10), low educational level (OR = 4.69, 95 % CI: 1.95-11.3) and married workers living with spouse (OR = 7.66, 95 % CI: 3.08-19.1). By contrast, factors such as age at first sexual intercourse, job category, HIV transmission and prevention measure knowledge, single workers, previous exposure to HIV intervention programs and having a casual sexual partner were not affecting condom use frequency. When considering condom use during the last sexual intercourse or during the past 12 months with commercial sexual partners, results were similar.ConclusionsWorkers with low education, older age, female gender and those married living with their spouse should be targeted for specific educational interventions.

A qualitative view of the HIV epidemic in coastal Ecuador

“…Prior research has primarily focused on specific populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and commercial sex workers (Bautista et al, 2008; Cabezas et al, 2015; Grant et al, 2014; Gutiérrez et al, 2006a; Gutiérrez et al, 2006b; Hernandez et al, 2016; Jacobson et al, 2014; Sánchez-Gómez et al, 2015; Solomon, Smith & del Rio, 2008). While several studies of HIV knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors have been conducted elsewhere in the country, little is known about rural, coastal regions where prevalence rates are among the highest in the country, and general healthcare is less readily available (Cabezas et al, 2013; Chedraui et al, 2007; Dearborn, Lewis & Mino, 2010; PAHO, 2012; Park et al, 2002).…”

Frequency of perimesencephalic sub arachnoid haemorrhage in our hospital

“…15 Workers with low education, older age, female gender and those married living with their spouse should be targeted for specific educational interventions. 16 Similarly, occupationally high risk groups such as lorry drivers, immigrants from other states should be encouraged and educated about proper condom usage. Despite the high level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and the growing awareness of the existence of the risk of infection, condom use always has resistance in these groups, 11 which needs to be taken care off.…”