Substance Use and Condom Use Among the HIV Population at Clínica de Familia La Romana, Dominican Republic

Abstract

The primary purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to quantify illicit substance use among the HIV positive population at Clínica de Familia La Romana in the Dominican Republic. The secondary goal was to identify whether there exists a relationship between alcohol consumption and condom use. Of the 97 participants who were interviewed in the study, 49% self-reported alcohol or tobacco use in the last three months. Based on the calculated ASSIST risk score, 20% of participants were classified as “moderate” or “high risk,” requiring an intervention. Additionally, 51% of the sample reported having sexual intercourse in the last 30 days. Out of the 49 participants who were sexually active, 67% reported using a condom during their last sexual experience, 31% reported not using a condom and the remaining 2% declined to respond. Contrary to prior research, no association was found between alcohol consumption and unprotected sex at Clínica de Familia La Romana, possibly due to the low percentage of patients that report consuming alcohol frequently.