A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Theory-based Intervention Promoting Condom Use Among Chinese Monogamous Female Sexually Transmitted Infection Patients

Background

Chinese monogamous women may contract sexually transmitted diseases (STD) from their sole male sex partner, but these women do not have high self-efficacy in negotiating about condom use with their regular sex partners.

Purpose

We aim to investigate the relative efficacy of a theory-based and clinic-based cognitive behavioral intervention versus a control intervention in increasing prevalence of condom use with their male sex partner among Chinese monogamous female sexually transmitted disease patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated into the intervention group (n?=?88) or the control group (n?=?88). All participants were phone interviewed at baseline and at 2 and 3 months after completion of the baseline survey. The three-session group intervention was based on the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model. Participants of the control group were provided with educational pamphlets. The primary outcome was consistent condom use in the last month. Relative risks were calculated, and multiple logistic regression models were fit.

Results

As compared to the control group, the intervention group reported higher prevalence of consistent condom use with the sole male sex partner in the last month at month 2 (75.3 versus 59.8 %, RR?=?1.26, 95 % CI?=?1.01, 1.57) and month 3 (77.8 versus 54.6 %, RR?=?1.42, 95 % CI?=?1.13, 1.80), whilst the baseline between-group difference was statistically non-significant. Some other secondary outcomes such as “intention to request condom use in the next month even if the sexual partner dislikes using condoms” were also statistically significant. Furthermore, the majority (94 %) of the intervention group members were satisfied with the intervention.

Conclusions

The theory-based intervention is potentially efficacious, but the follow-up period was relatively short. Large-scale randomized clinical trials and subsequent translational research are greatly warranted in the future.