Some H.I.V. specialists fear that the general public well being concentrate on prevention remedy has accelerated a decline in condom use.
Homosexual and bisexual males are utilizing condoms lower than ever, and the decline has been significantly steep amongst those that are younger or Hispanic, in keeping with a new study. The worrisome pattern factors to an pressing want for higher prevention methods because the nation struggles to beat the H.I.V. epidemic, researchers stated.
Over the previous decade, prevention remedy often called PrEP has helped fuel a moderate drop in H.I.V. charges. And but, regardless of persistent public well being campaigns selling the medication, they’ve not been adopted in substantial numbers by Black and Hispanic males who’re homosexual or bisexual.
Using condoms, which forestall H.I.V. in addition to different sexually transmitted infections, has been declining throughout the board lately, not simply amongst homosexual males, contributing to a rise in sexually transmitted infections.
Researchers stated that, with a lot focus on PrEP, public well being officers have missed condoms, contributing to the drop-off of their use.
“The purpose of selling PrEP is a invaluable one, but it surely has overshadowed different prevention methods like condoms,” stated Steven Goodreau, an H.I.V. knowledgeable on the College of Washington. He led the brand new examine and co-wrote a associated editorial.
A spokesman for the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention acknowledged declining condom use, however he stated the company continues to advertise them. Native well being departments that obtain federal money for H.I.V. prevention should embody condom distribution of their methods, for instance.
