Background: Of the 46,137 AIDS cases reported in 1999, 23% were among women. For HIV-infected women, using condoms prevents HIV transmission to sex partners. Methods: In 12 states from 1991 to 1999, HIV-infected women aged 18-50 years were interviewed. Chi-square tests compared differences in proportions, and logistic regression identified factors associated with not using condoms. Results: Of 4,656 women interviewed, 72% were sexually active during the past year; of these, 67% had AIDS, 54% were < 34 years, and 81% had <12 years of education. More HIV-infected women without AIDS were sexually active than those with AIDS (81% vs. 68%, p=0.001). Half (48% HIV, 51% AIDS) used condoms in the past 12 months. For women with AIDS or HIV, not using condoms was significantly (p<0.05) associated with age < 34 years (AIDS: odds ratio [OR] 1.3; HIV: OR 2.0), education < 12 years (AIDS: OR 1.7; HIV: OR 1.7), and other contraceptive use (AIDS: OR 2.0; HIV: OR 2.0). Not using condoms was also significantly associated with crack or injection drug use during the prior year (OR 1.5) for women with AIDS and with < $10,000 income (OR 1.6) for women without AIDS. Significantly more women with HIV-negative steady partners (60%) used condoms than did women with HIV-positive steady partners (44%). Conclusions: Half of HIV-infected women have sex without using condoms. Their unprotected partners are at risk for HIV. Evaluation of prevention activities for HIV-infected women focused on condom use are important, especially for younger, less-educated, lower-income women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) Articulate the benefits of condom use by HIV-infected women; 2) Describe the prevalence of condom use among sexually active HIV-infected women; 3) List demographic factors related to not using condoms among HIV-infected women; 4) Use findings to evaluate and to promote prevention activities for HIV-infected women that focus on condom use.
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Condom Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.