The protective value of discussing condom use: a study of young black men attending STI clinics in the Southern United States

Abstract

Young Black men (YBM) experience disparities in both HIV incidence and incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs); thus, developing efficacious behavioral interventions is an especially critical goal. One potential avenue for intervention involves improving sexual health communications among YBM and their partners, before sex occurs. Such discussions may serve several purposes, including improving condom use and facilitating the negotiation of correct and consistent condom use. The aim of the current study was to determine the STI-protective effects of discussing condom use with sex partners, among medically-underserved YBM. Seven-hundred-two YBM were recruited from three STI clinics in the Southern US. YBM completed a self-interview at baseline and again 6-months later. At twelve months post-enrollment, a chart review determined incident STIs. The majority of YBM participants (61.1%) had recently discussed condom use with partners before sex. Of twelve assessed outcomes, seven were significantly associated with this measure. In each case a protective effect was observed. In controlled analyses, the 12-month incidence of STIs was significantly (P=.05) greater among YBM not discussing condoms with sex partners. The results of the current study suggest that, among YBM attending clinics, discussing condom use with sex partners may promote safer sex practices. This behavior was also predictive of lower STI incidence in the ensuing 12 months, suggesting that it may be an ideal intervention target for programs designed to protect YBM against STI acquisition, including HIV.

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ORCID for Cynthia Graham: orcid.org/0000-0002-7884-599X

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