Condom use and vulnerabilities to sexually transmitted infections in quilombola communities: a descriptive study, Sergipe, Brazil, 2016-2017

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the frequency distribution of condom use according to vulnerability factors for sexually transmitted infections in quilombola communities in Sergipe, Brazil. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between 2016-2017. A structured questionnaire with sociodemographic and behavioral issues was used; and rapid HIV and syphilis tests were performed. Comparisons between categorical variables were performed using Fisher's exact test.  Results: Among the 367 individuals from 14 communities, the majority were of low education (72.8%), without work (59.7%) and had a fixed sexual partner (90.7%). Lack of access to inputs and prevention information made up the programmatic vulnerability of individuals. There was a higher proportion of inconsistent condom use with a steady partner (90.1%) in individuals who reported lack of access to information (p=0.001) and inconsistent use with an occasional partner (p<0.001). Conclusion: The frequency of condom use with a steady partner was significantly proportional to the use with a casual partner and access to preventive information.