New Study Shows Decrease in Condom Use among Gay Men
Study conducted by University of Washington highlights alarming trend
A new study published in AIDS and Behavior, conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, reveals a concerning decline in condom usage among sexually active gay men compared to a decade ago. The study draws data from the American Men’s Internet Survey conducted from 2014 to 2019. Specifically, the study focused on men who engaged in condomless anal sex with other men not on PrEP, leading to some significant findings.
Increase in condomless sex among certain groups
According to the study, the number of men partaking in condomless sex increased by 2.2% annually. The rise was more predominant among younger men (increasing by 7.2% each year) and Hispanic men (increasing by 18%). This rise in condomless sex raises concerns about the potential for increased transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Education and challenges related to prevention methods
Despite the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), condom use remains more prevalent among the studied men. This may be attributed to various barriers to obtaining PrEP and other contributors. Remarkably, 60% of the men believed condoms to be “very effective” at preventing HIV transmission, with an additional 36% considering them “somewhat effective.”
However, the study reveals that 24% admitted to never using condoms, while 50% claimed to always or sometimes use them. This discrepancy indicates a substantial portion of individuals engaging in condomless sex without the protection of PrEP. It is worth noting that not all individuals are aware of their HIV status or receive necessary treatment, highlighting the importance of effective prevention methods.
Condoms and their role in preventing STIs
Besides protecting against HIV transmission, condoms also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of other STIs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis. The decline in condom usage is believed to be connected to the recently observed rise in diagnoses of these infections throughout the United States.
PrEP as an alternative prevention method
Lead author of the study, Steven Goodreau, emphasizes the positive impact of PrEP while recognizing the continued importance of condoms as a prevention tool. He explains, “PrEP has many benefits as an additional prevention method that individuals can decide to use instead of negotiating with a partner. However, it also presents challenges in terms of continuous healthcare commitment and daily intake.”
Goodreau further suggests that both PrEP and condoms are key to reducing HIV transmission rates since different individuals and circumstances require varied approaches to protection. While PrEP provides a valuable alternative for those averse to condoms, condoms remain a more accessible and cost-effective option. As such, promoting the use of both methods becomes essential in combating the further spread of HIV and other STIs.
Promoting condom use alongside PrEP initiatives
Though the Biden administration has planned a $9.8 billion program to deliver PrEP nationwide, the study’s author suggests that condom promotion should also be a priority. Goodreau notes, “Condoms have been a central pillar of HIV prevention for about three decades. While PrEP has been immensely beneficial, it might be time to reexamine the balance and reinforce the importance of condom usage alongside other prevention methods.”
Additionally, raising awareness and providing LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education, particularly in schools, becomes crucial in equipping young, gay, and bisexual individuals with necessary knowledge about different prevention methods and their suitability to their respective circumstances. Goodreau also suggests that dating apps can play a role in cultivating a preference for condom usage among users.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the concerning decline in condom use among sexually active gay men. While PrEP presents a valuable prevention tool, the promotion of condom usage alongside other prevention methods remains vital to effectively reduce the transmission of HIV and STIs. By addressing barriers to access, increasing education, and incorporating condom preference into dating platforms, steps can be taken to revitalize the protection offered by condom usage and ultimately achieve the goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030.
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