Condom used among man who have sex with men situation in Samutprakarn Province

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional descriptive research to study the situation of condom use while having sex among men who have sex with men in Samut Prakan Province. The reasons why they use or not use condoms while men were having sex were also identified. The samples were 227 men, aged 18 years and over, who had sex with men in Samut Prakarn province in Samut Prakan province. The quantitative data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. In addition, the qualitative data were collected by in-depth interviews. The results indicated that the samples’attitude towards using condoms while having sex at moderate level (= 3.48, SD. = .89). They also had low level of knowledge about HIV / AIDS. The reason for using condoms while having sex with other were to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, to increase confidence while having sex with strangers, and to prevent stool smearing.  The reasons for not using condom because they always had sex only with one partner, so it didn’t need to use a condom. Moreover, other reasons were: condom would decrease sexual pleasure; they were having sex in an emergency situation; the couple didn't like using condom; they were drunk; they were having oral sex; and they had false believes about the use of condoms

        The results of this study suggests that local administrative organizations should be established the clinics to provide health counselling for sexually transmitted diseases prevention. The counsellors should focus on providing the right knowledge according to academic principles. Because of ongoing counselling can improve attitudes towards self-care and prevention of HIV infection. Furthermore, there should be more survey research to compare the characteristics of areas that affect the risks of having inappropriate sexual behaviour, especially in urban areas where there is more material prosperity as well as technological advance that make men who have sex with men access media easier than others. These area characteristics might contribute to greater risks.