Sirirojn B, Srirak N, Duengsong C, Upsornthanasombut T, Nagklinkul S, Natpratan C, Khamboonruang C, Beyrer C, Celenatno D; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. ThOrD777.
B. Sirirojn, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, PO Box 80 CMU, Thailand, Tel.: +66-53-221966, Fax: +66-53-221849, E-mail: plange@loxinfo.co.th
Background: Stable couples rarely use condoms for HIV prevention in daily life. However, it is necessary for HIV-discordant couples to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitting HIV. The aim of this study was to promote and sustain condom use among HIV - discordant couples in a setting with a high prevalence of community acquired HIV infection. Method: Fourteen HIV-discordant couples (9-male and 5-female index cases) were recruited from STD clinics at district hospitals of the Royal Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, between July and October 1999. The intervention consisted of 4 modules with one-month and three-month follow-up. The first module emphasized group process and presented basic AIDS knowledge and the prevention of HIV transmission by the consistent and proper use of condoms. The second module identified barriers to condom use and possible solutions to overcome those barriers. The first two modules were single-gender groups discussion. The third module introduced problem solving skills with respect to condom use through negotiating practice in order to identify partner's reactions. The last module reinforced new skills, identify a potential relapse, and offer possible solutions to avoid relapse of a failure to use condom with their spouse. Result: The participation in group counseling was considered to be "excellent" and group counseling could be used effectively. A major barrier of condom use as presented by most couples was that they never discussed their sexual relationship. Participating in group discussion served to "clear the air" and facilitated discussion on general issues i.e. satisfaction and/or conflict in family life, sexual relations, and condom use. At one-month follow- up, self-reported condom use was found to be 100%. They also reported that they could now discuss openly issues related to HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Group counseling, especially when it "clears the air", is a useful intervention for HIV-discordant couples. They learn how to initiate a discussion about sensitive issues and also learn to negotiate for condom use, in addition to other safe sex skill practices.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
- Condoms
- Condoms, Female
- Counseling
- Family Characteristics
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Male
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Behavior
- Thailand
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102242045
From Meeting Abstracts