Sex, Condoms and Sexually Transmissible Infections: A Qualitative Study of Sexual Health in Young Australian Men

Abstract

Young males have a key role in shaping contraceptive use in a sexual relationship, yet often remain the invisible partner in safe sex promotion. This article describes a conceptual model of STI risk and condom use based on the perceptions and experiences of condom use in a group of young Australian males. An explorative descriptive design was used to conceptualize participants' condom use histories into an organized description of behavior. Forty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of males aged 15 to 25 years over an 18 month period. A sequential analytical process of data immersion, coding, and category generation was used to identify personal meanings, motivations, and contextual factors associated with condom use and non-use. Three primary discourses associated with young males' perceptions of STI risk and responding approach to condom use constructed personal commitment to sexual safety as dynamic, context-dependent, and outcome-driven (pregnancy versus STIs as the primary motivator of condom use). A regretful discourse associated with experiences of, or suspected unwanted outcomes, also emerged through changes in risk appraisals and safe sex intentions and behavior. Interventions to increase condom use should go beyond the traditional focus on risky behavior and disease prevention frameworks by addressing the contextual influences on personal risk appraisals and deliver innovative messages to reduce negative social meanings associated with condom use.

Intimacy, Monogamy, and Condom Problems Drive Unprotected Sex Among Young Men in Serious Relationships with Other Men: A Mixed Methods Dyadic Study

“…In consideration of partner and relationship characteristics associated with HIV risk in this study, some researchers have argued that the estimated risks of having unprotected sex represent rational sexual decision-making (Pinkerton & Abramson, 1992; Smith et al, 2012). Smith et al posited that condom use is a socially constructed tool to protect against disease and that condoms are typically used in casual relationships.…”

Barriers to condom use among women at risk of HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study from Iran

“…Being overcome by emotional and sexual excitement, and being unable to prioritize, especially among homeless individuals who need such emotional attachments, hinders their risk perception abilities; despite their knowledge of the high risk of their sexual partner they still trust them, and inevitably neglect using condoms. It seems that different strategies for HIV prevention must be given higher priority, particularly with regards to emotional attachments and to having intimate relationships with high risk women, and to discussions aimed at improving skills of identifying high risk conditions and raising awareness and increasing knowledge about protection as a means of prevention [7,20]. Creating peer groups and social networking that can create a sense of belonging and emotional attachment and social support, and partly fulfill those requirements needs and also assist in making correct decisions, (not decisions based on emotions and excitements) would be of much help in protective sexual behavior [21].…”

Young Indigenous Australians' Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Practices: A Community‐based Participatory Research Project

“…These findings are of course not specific to Indigenous people. Alcohol use is often a feature of casual sexual encounters (Carmody & Willis, ), and the effects of alcohol and drug use on risky behaviours are well documented in the broader Australian population (Smith et al, Published Online First: 10 September ). Specific recommendations arising from our findings include developing campaigns that tap into the idea that ‘the right time is now’ when it comes to carrying a condom and being prepared for protective sex.…”