Authors:

Abstract

Introduction: Sri Lanka has a lower prevalence of HIV among MSM (0.9%) in the region. However, the HIV prevalence among MSM has been rising steadily 0.48% in 2009 and 0.9% in 2011. Prevention of HIV transmission through the introduction of “Prevention package” under GFATM round 09 HIV project is one of the main strategies to reduce new infections in the MSM community. Prevention package includes condom awareness and knowledge, condom demonstration and distribution. This project reaches 3203 MSM with the prevention package. Therefore, this study aims to assess the condom knowledge of MSM reached by the peer educators and the factors associated with level of knowledge.

Methodology: Multistage probability sampling technique was used to select a sample of 325 MSM peers who have reached with basic HIV prevention service package were interviewed with a structured and semi structured interview schedule after receiving the oral informed-consent. Descriptive statistical analysis and non-parametric hypothesis testing were performed using the SPSS statistical software.

Results: Sample has an average of 4.2 (SD=8.42) partner changes per month. One third of the sample had over 10 years of MSM behaviours. Around 70% of respondents knew at least five out of eight condom use steps. Partner exchange rate, composite knowledge on HIV and using a condom during the last sex were associated with respondents’ knowledge on correct use of condoms.

Conclusions: Although the program has contributed significantly to increase the condom use among MSM population, effectiveness of the condom use is questionable. A comprehensive condom demonstration programme must be incorporated into the HIV prevention programs in more practical manner for effective condom programing.

Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine Vol.1 2015: 22-28

Keywords: correct use of condoms, Men who have sex with Men (MSM), HIV, Sri Lanka