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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Sexually Transmitted Infection | Research

Why do men who have sex with men practice condomless sex? A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Authors: Yan Shen, Ci Zhang, Maritta A. Valimaki, Hanzhu Qian, Leila Mohammadi, Yuanyuan Chi, Xianhong Li

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Despite a large amount of behavioral interventions to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related high-risk sexual behaviors, consistent condom use remains suboptimal among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, current databases are lack of synthesized evidence to explain why MSM practiced condomless sex.

Objective

Our study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-synthesis of 39 eligible qualitative studies to explore the barriers to condom use among MSM.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies (1994–2021). On March 4, 2021, a comprehensive search was conducted in 14 electronic databases. The study was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommendations.

Results

Thematic analysis produced six synthesized themes, which were classified into three levels according to the Social-ecology Model. Individual level barriers to condom use included physical discomfort, lack of HIV/STI-related knowledge and substance use; interpersonal-level barrier was mainly the condom stigma, namely regarding using condom as symbols of distrust or HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention, or as violating traditional cognition of sex, or as an embarrassing topic; environmental/structural-level barriers included situational unavailability, unaffordability of condoms and power imbalance in the sexual relationship.

Conclusion

This meta-synthesis offered in-depth understanding of condom use barriers for MSM and could guide the development of multifactorial interventions according to the identified barriers, especially targeting to reduce condom stigma, which has not been focused and intervened previously.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Why do men who have sex with men practice condomless sex? A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors
Yan Shen
Ci Zhang
Maritta A. Valimaki
Hanzhu Qian
Leila Mohammadi
Yuanyuan Chi
Xianhong Li
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07843-z

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