STD Risk Associated with Discontinuing Condom Use with Main Sex Partner

BACKGROUND: Initiating condom use with sex partners and subsequently discontinuing use presents a risk for STD/HIV acquisition. Research has found an association between less favorable attitudes regarding condom effectiveness and discontinuing condom use, but beyond this little is known about the STD risk associated with this decision. Thus, this study sought to examine the STD risk associated with discontinuing condom use with main sex partners. METHODS: Data were obtained from 701 African-American adolescent females (ages 14-20 years) at baseline, prior to randomization and participation in an HIV prevention trial, and 6 months later. Data collection included 1) a survey of demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral measures, 2) laboratory-confirmed tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia,gonorrhea, and pregnancy. Among girls who reported consistent condom use at baseline, chi-square test examined whether STD rates at 6-month follow-up differed significantly between those who continued condom use and those who discontinued or never used condoms at follow-up.

RESULTS: Approximately 35% of consistent condom users at baseline discontinued condom use at follow-up. Along with girls who never used condoms at follow-up, discontinuers had significantly higher rates of gonorrhea (p <.05), trichomoniasis (p = .01), and pregnancy (p = .02) than those who continued condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing condom use with main sex partners places young women at significant risk for STD and pregnancy. Future research should attempt to identify factors motivating one time consistent condom users to discontinue use. Such knowledge could then be included and addressed in STD interventions for sexually active young women.