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

Abstract

Objective: To analyze frequency of condom use according to vulnerability factors for sexually transmitted infections in quilombola communities in Sergipe state, Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 2016-2017. A structured questionnaire with sociodemographic and behavioral questions was used; 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 had low levels of education (72.8%), were not working (59.7%) and had a stable sex partner (90.7%). Lack of access to prevention supplies and information accounted for respondent programmatic vulnerability. There was a higher proportion of inconsistent condom use with a stable partner (90.1%) among individuals who reported lack of access to information (p=0.001) and inconsistent use with a casual partner (p<0.001). Conclusion: Frequency of condom use with a stable partner was significantly proportional to condom use with a casual partner and access to information on prevention.