Sexual Patterning and Condom Use Among a Group of HIV-Vulnerable Men in Thika, Kenya

Researchers from Kenya and Canada interviewed a composite sample of 37 peer educators and 215 members of self-help groups of male informal sector workers in Thika, Kenya, targeting HIV/AIDS prevention. The researchers used a customized template; the research was part of a broader survey on peer pressure and gender attitudes. The questions solicited information -- including type of partner, months when sex took place, and condom use -- on each sexual partner reported by each man during a 12-month recall period.

The men reported 471 partners for the recall period, with a range of zero to 16 partners. The average number of partners was slightly less than two. Of the men, 8 percent reported no partner; half were monogamous; 3 percent had multiple partners with whom they used condoms exclusively. Thus, the remaining 39 percent were at varying degrees of risk.

Condom use increased significantly with reduced intimacy of partner. Sixteen percent of the men reported at least one encounter with a female sex worker; two-thirds of such liaisons were exclusively protected by condom use. Younger single men reported significantly more partners and were more likely to use condoms. Duration of membership in self-help groups was strongly associated with exclusive use of condoms with casual or female sex worker partners. While recorded attitudes corresponded somewhat with practice, the data found large gaps between the two and low levels of gender sensitivity.

The authors concluded, "There is some evidence that group membership has resulted in increased condom use and partner reduction, but there are doubts as to the extent to which the 'ABC' [abstinence, being faithful, condom use when appropriate] strategy can be successful in stemming the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It may be necessary for interventions to target contextual issues, particularly gender relations, if the approach is to be more successful."

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