title: Predictors of Condom Use Among Iranian Women at Risk of HIV.
abstract: Sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is increasing in Iran and is the main route of infection among women. In order to foster the development of future HIV prevention interventions for women, researchers need to understand the factors that influence sexual risk reduction behaviors in this group. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of condom use among women at risk of HIV and develop a model of condom use in a sample of women at risk of HIV. We cross-sectionally examined predictors of condom use among 200 women at risk of HIV. Women were recruited from drop-in centers and voluntary counseling and testing centers in Tehran. Condom use among women at risk of HIV was examined using path analysis, and fit indices showed a good fit for the model. Condom use self-efficacy, social support, and less stereotypic gender roles influenced sexually protective behaviors of women at risk of HIV. Our results can provide a basis for future gender-specific intervention programs among women at risk of HIV. Researchers, practitioners, and organizations that play a central role in protecting the health of this population can make use of these results for the benefit of sexual and reproductive health programs.
authors.affiliation: Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.|Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
authors.forename: Razieh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lotfi
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ramezani@endocrine.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Fahimeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ramezani Tehrani
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
authors.forename: Delara
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salehifar
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Shari L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Dworkin
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Condom use; HIV/AIDS; Sexual behavior; Women