title: A study on risk factors associated with inconsistent condom and lubricant use among men who have sex with men in central Karnataka, India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Among the sexual minority groups, the Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) community is a large and scattered network. Sexual activity among MSM is frequent and often unplanned. STI and HIV are major medical problems faced by this vulnerable group. Stigma and discrimination towards this group result in poor access to preventive services that encourage condom and lubricant usage.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, community-based study of 309 MSM was carried out in the Davangere district between December 2008 and February 2010. Participants were identified in three stages: cruising venue identification and mapping; determining eligibility and willingness to participate; and recruitment to the study. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit the participants with the help of a snowball technique, obtaining informed and written consent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the participants 79.61% and 88.03% reported inconsistent use of condom and lubricant during the three months prior to the interview, respectively. In multivariate analysis, middle socioeconomic class, sex in a public place and increased frequency of sex were significantly associated with inconsistent condom use. Whereas, practising both types of anal sex (receptive and insertive), not using a condom during the last sexual encounter and increased frequency of sex were significantly associated with inconsistent lubricant use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many social and behavioural factors are involved in the inconsistent use of condom and lubricant among MSM. Preventive programmes must identify these factors in order to target consistent condom and lubricant use among the MSM community.
authors: Manipal University ,  India.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Kiran
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Manjunath
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Aswin K
authors: Bk
authors: B
authors: Patil
authors: Dk
authors: D
authors: Mahabalaraju
keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Inconsistent condom use; Men who have Sex with Men; Sexual risk behaviour
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