Consistent and Correct Use of Condoms With Lubricants and Associated Factors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men from the Ghana Men’s Study II: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience a disproportionate burden of HIV infection globally, including in Ghana. The use of condoms with lubricants correctly and consistently plays a vital role in reducing the number of new HIV infections among MSM. However, there are concerns about the consistent and correct use of condoms and lubricants among MSM in Ghana. In this regard, there is a need to understand context-specific factors associated with consistent and correct condom use with lubricants. Objective: This study aims to determine the current scope of consistent and correct use of condoms with lubricants, associated factors, interventions, and user- and service-related challenges on correct condom and lubricant use among the MSM population in Ghana. Methods: The study will use a mixed methods study approach. First, a retrospective analysis of the Ghana Men’s Study II data set involving 4095 MSM will be conducted to determine the scope of consistency and correct use of condoms with lubricants as well as associated factors. The data will be imported into STATA (version 17; StataCorp LLC) to treat missing data and outliers before the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses will be conducted to determine the associated factors of consistent condom use with lubricants. All statistical analyses will be done at a 95% CI, with significant differences at P