Attitudes of HIV/AIDS Patients towards Condom Use Manuals: A Qualitative Research

There is evidence that a significant proportion of people living with HIV (PLWH) still practice unsafe sex and this remains a challenge for HIV prevention. Since some manuals can have positive effects on condom use among the high risk population, this qualitative study explored perceptions of Iranian PLWH regarding such manuals. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with a purposively selected group of PLWH recruited from three HIV care clinics in Tehran, Iran. Overall, 34 individuals including 26 HIV positive patients (22 males and 4 females) were interviewed. In addition, 5 healthcare workers and 3 wives of HIV-patients were also interviewed. All interviews were recorded and typed, and the codes were extracted after reviewing them several times. Data was analyzed using the content analysis approach. Participants pointed to the internal and external stimuli. Conscience was the most important internal stimulus. The most influential external stimuli included mass media, consulting with health care providers, communication with friends, and training. Although external stimuli such as the media can have a significant role in the adoption of safe behaviors and preventing sexual transmission of AIDS, focusing on internal stimuli may also be of high importance.