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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Barriers to condom use among women at risk of HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study from Iran

Authors: Razieh Lotfi, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani, Farideh Yaghmaei, Ebrahim Hajizadeh

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

The growing trend of women infected with HIV through sexual transmission is alarming. Factors influencing condom use have not yet been fully identified, especially in countries with conservative cultures and backgrounds. The present study aimed to explore the barriers of condom use in Iranian women at risk of HIV.

Methods

Using the grounded theory methodology, participants’ experiences and their perceptions regarding condom were collected during semi structured in depth interviews. Participants were 22 women, aged 21–49 years, considered to be at risk for HIV, due to their own or their partner’s sexual behaviors. Qualitative analysis of the data was conducted manually and was guided by constant comparative analysis.

Results

Two main barriers, personal and socio-environmental emerged from data analysis. Lack of perceived threat, absence of protective motivation, inadequate knowledge, perceived lack of control, negative attitudes towards condom and misperception were the major personal barriers, while unsupportive environments and cultural norms were the common socio-environmental barriers to condom use among these at risk women.

Conclusions

These critical barriers have to be addressed for implementing effective prevention programs against HIV among populations at risk for HIV.
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Metadata
Title
Barriers to condom use among women at risk of HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study from Iran
Authors
Razieh Lotfi
Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
Farideh Yaghmaei
Ebrahim Hajizadeh
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-12-13

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