Age group-based patterns of sexual activity, condom use and acceptability of HIV preventive measures among Filipino males. Who are most at risk?

Scientific Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Health - Public Health, , language: English, abstract: Current HIV prevention programs in the Philippines have given only some attention to the general adult male population, despite evidence showing that this demographic sector is non-monolithic in terms of their sexual behavior. This report discusses sexual activity, condom use, and acceptability of the most effective HIV preventive measures among population-based Filipino males in order to provide evidence of their HIV risk and of the need for programmatic attention. Data were drawn from a representative sample survey of 3,615 Filipino males aged 15-24, 25-34 and 35-44. Having had sexual experience and being sexually active in primarily heterosexual relationships were markedly common among the respondents, but condom use was uncommon among the group. Except for sexual abstinence, the most effective preventive measures against HIV were all acceptable among high proportions of the respondents. The youngest respondents were the age group that was most at risk for HIV, because of their sexual risk-taking practices. The HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in the Philippines has to bestow attention to population-based Filipino males. Greater attention should be given to those aged 15-24, who should be educated about the risks and consequences of having varied sexual intercourse events and about adopting the most effective preventive measures against HIV.

Romeo B. Lee has been researching and publishing on health covering a variety of topics (e.g., sexuality) and sectors (e.g., adolescents, men) in the Philippines. He has a PhD in Demography (The Australian National University), a Master in PopulationResearch (The University of Exeter), a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Research (University of the Philippines). He is a full professor at De La Salle University in Manila, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in behavioural sciences. romeo.lee@dlsu.edu.ph