Perceived HIV risk and factors associated with condom use among women aged 40 and older: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: A noticeable increase in HIV-positive cases among women, particularly those of middle and old age, has been observed worldwide. This study aimed to describe women’s perceived HIV risk, HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, attitude, and sexual behaviors to determine factors associated with condom use among these women in Hunan, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to August 2020 among 958 women aged 40 and older in four regions of Hunan, China. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived HIV risk, HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude, condom use, and sexual behaviors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors related to condom use. RESULTS: Out of 958 participants, 60.6% perceived no risk of HIV infection, and 46.8% reported they had never used a condom during their past sexual life. Those who were older, had lower monthly household income for family, had not received HIV education in the past year, were unwilling to use condoms, could not determine condom use during sexual activity, and had more negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and HIV-positive people were less likely to use condoms in their past sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In Hunan Province, most women aged 40 and older perceived themselves as having a low or no risk of HIV infection; their rate of condom use was low, and six factors were associated with condom use. It is imperative to strengthen HIV prevention and control programs among women aged 40 and above, particularly focusing on those who may use condoms infrequently or not at all.