Associations between drug use and sexual risks among heterosexual men in the Philippines

Abstract

The relationship between drug use and sexual risk behaviours among 2272 men in the southern Philippines was assessed. Over 20% of participants used drugs. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, marital status, income, occupation and geographic region revealed that compared to non-drug users, men who used drugs had earlier sexual debuts (adjusted odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval = 1.38-2.17), were more likely to report two or more recent sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio = 2.22; 95% confidence interval = 1.59-3.11), and were more likely to report ever having sex with a female sex worker (adjusted odds ratio = 2.99; 95% confidence interval = 2.25-4.00). Condom use was noted to be low overall among the men in this study; however, the odds of more frequent condom use with a regular partner were greater for men who used drugs compared to non-drug users (adjusted odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval = 1.26-2.02). There were no significant differences in condom use during last sex or frequency of condom use with a sex worker. While injection drug use was not common (1%), use of oral or inhaled substances was prevalent, and associated with increased sexual risk for acquisition and transmission of STI/HIV. Efforts to decrease STI/HIV transmission should specifically target non-injection drug use as a risk factor.

Trends and emerging directions in HIV risk and prevention research in the Philippines: A systematic review of the literature

“…Fifteen articles reported analyses from a longitudinal, quasi-experimental investigation of a community-based HIV prevention program involving female bar workers and managers in four regions of the Philippines [39–53]. Four articles reported findings from a quasi-experimental intervention to prevent HIV and STIs among heterosexuals in southern Philippines [54–57]. Two articles reported analyses of a survey of people who inject drugs in Manila, Cebu, and Davao cities [58–59].…”

“…Assessment of condom attitudes and knowledge also varied, with measurements including knowing that condoms prevent HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, and STI infections, as well as feeling that condoms reduce sexual pleasure or enjoyment, and that using condoms is against religion. Only five studies reported substance use outcome measures [21,34,38,57,62], and these studies varied with regard to assessment about type, frequency, and amount of substance use.…”

Facilitators and barriers to condom use among Filipinos: A systematic review of literature

“…22 In a secondary analysis, male IDUs reported more frequent condom use when having sex with an FSW and with their regular partner. 23 The lack of condom negotiation among FSWs was associated with the use of an illegal substance. 24 …”

“…22 In a secondary analysis, male IDUs reported more frequent condom use when having sex with an FSW and with their regular partner. 23 The lack of condom negotiation among FSWs was associated with the use of an illegal substance. 24 In several studies, the reasons for not using condoms were did not think of using condoms, 19,25,26 discomfort and displeasure in condom use, 14,19,[26][27][28][29] interruption of sexual activity, 19,26,28 lack of available condom, 19,[25][26][27] and use of another contraceptive method.…”