Sexual Risk Behaviors and Condom Use Barriers in Iranian Men with Substance Use Disorders

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Iran

2 MSc Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

6 Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

7 Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

8 Psychologist, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

9 MSc Student, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10 Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, USA

11 Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, USA

12 Professor, Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and condom use barriers in Iranian men with substance use disorders (SUDs).Methods: Of the total 1800 outpatient drug free (ODF) and methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) active centers in Tehran, Iran, six were selected to participate in the current study. Data were collected (n = 300 men) using three questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Risky Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ), and the Condom Barriers Scale (CBS). The statistical software R, analysis of variance post hoc and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) logistic regression tests were used in data analysis.Findings: The majority, (n = 194, 64.7%) reported at least one lifetime episode of RSBs. Compared to married participants (23.1%), 88.5% of single and 87.0% of divorced men had a history of RSB. Generally, the lowest and highest subscale scores of the CBS were related to sexual experience (2.60 ± 0.71) and access/availability structure (3.77 ± 0.54), respectively. The results of MANOVA analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the CSB subscales based on the participants' education and marital status (P < 0.001). Only the partner barrier subscale had a significant negative relationship (P = 0.003) with RSB.Conclusion: Sexual dynamic of Iranian men with SUDs is different. Barriers to condom use seem to be socio-culturally determined. Culturally acceptable strategies need to be utilized in Iranian clinical settings reaching beyond simply condom accessibility for this at risk population.

Keywords

References

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