Proficiency in condom use among African American and Hispanic migrant workers

Background: In light of increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in migrant workers (MW), proper use of condoms is essential. MW are one of the rapidly growing populations in the U.S that have been immensely affected by AIDS.

Methods: Baseline data, including 77 African-Americans (AA) and 149 Hispanics, from an ongoing HIV/ AIDS intervention study was used. Condom use skills were evaluated on a 15 point scale in which participants were observed placing a condom on a condom model following a demonstration. Chi-Square tests were used to compare AA and Hispanic MW with respect to demographic characteristics and condom use skills.

Results: African Americans demonstrated better condom use skills than Hispanics on almost all observed items. AA performed significantly better than Hispanics on the following skills: Checking expiration date on package (63.9%, p<0.01), careful opening of package (80.6%, p<0.01), checking for damage (65.3%, p<0.05), determined direction in which condom has to be rolled (90.3%, p<0.01), adding lubricant to inside tip of condom or penis (76.4%, p<0.01), rolling of condom correctly downwards (90.1%, p<0.01), rolling condom to the base of penis (91.7%, p<0.05), leaving space at the tip of condom (88.9%, p<0.01), turning to the side and withdrawing condom (70.8%, p<0.01) and taking care to avoid spilling (66.4%, p<0.01).

Conclusions: A low level of condom use skills among Hispanics places them at higher risk of HIV infection. The results urge HIV interventions targeting MW to develop strategies to increase condom use skills among Hispanics.