Witte SS, El-Bassel N, Schilling RF, Wallace J, Bidassie B, Scaief J; National Conference on Women & HIV.
Natl Conf Women HIV Natl Conf Women HIV Innov Care Policy Prev 1997 Los Angel Calif. 1997 May 4-7; 159 (abstract no. P1.14).
Columbia University, School of Social Work, Social Intervention Group, New York, NY.
Objectives: To introduce female condom use among low-income African American and Latina women exchanging sex for money or drugs in New York City. Methods: Face to face, structured interviews covering demographic characteristics, drug use, sexual risk behavior, contraceptive history, and attitudes towards the female condom were conducted with 150 African American and Latina women who regularly exchange sex for money or drugs in New York City. Women were recruited while participating in weekly food distribution, counseling and referral services provided by a community-based Mobile Van Unit program. Each woman completed a 30-minute baseline interview administered by a trained interviewer. Following the baseline interview each woman was given a demonstration on the proper use of the female condom, provided with 10 female condoms. Each woman was asked to use the 10 female condoms and return in 2 weeks for a 30 minute follow-up interview. Follow-up interview items focused on descriptive information related to female condom use while exchanging sex for money or drugs and with regular partners, acceptability of female condom use and intention to use female condoms in the future. Upon completion of the follow-up interview, participants were given a coupon for redemption of either 10 male or female condoms which they could redeem by mail or in person beginning 2 weeks after the follow-up date. Results: Preliminary findings suggest that while only approximately 40% of the study population heard about the female condom prior to the baseline interview, 95% were curious about and willing to try the female condom with regular partners and during sex work. All baseline and follow up data analysis will be complete for reporting at this conference presentation. Conclusions: Findings should provide a better understanding of the feasibility of female condom use as a barrier method for HIV/AIDS and STD prevention among this population. Conference presentation will include recommendations for integrating the female condom into intervention programs targeting this population and for directions for future research.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Behavior
- Condoms, Female
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Hispanic Americans
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Male
- New York City
- Prostitution
- Risk-Taking
- Sexual Behavior
- Substance-Related Disorders
- utilization
Other ID:
UI: 102226041
From Meeting Abstracts