The steady rise in newly-diagnosed cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been historically associated with Men-who-have- sex-with-men (MSM) in the Philippines. This has been attributed to low condom use despite longstanding guidance on their efficacy in preventing the spread of HIV among other sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of the study was to describe the sociodemographic and sexual characteristics of an online sample of Filipino MSM, and identify which factors are significantly associated with condom use at last sexual intercourse. Purposive sampling through referrals within the MSM community resulted in a sample of 491 Filipino MSMs. Bivariate analysis revealed that MSM's civil status, gender expression, relationship status, their predominant sexual position, and the sexes of their sexual partners are significantly associated with the use or non-use of condoms during their last sexual intercourse. The study may prove to be beneficial to public health leaders in the implementation of a comprehensive group of interventions to increase condom use.
Male ; Condoms ; Homosexuality, Male ; Sexual and Gender Minorities ; Sexual Behavior ; HIV Infections ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; HIV

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, people who were exposed to the virus reported heightened health anxiety compared to the individuals with the absence of exposure related to the COVID-19 during the pandemic. Young adults reported higher levels of health anxiety when compared to other groups. To a certain extent, health anxiety serves a protective role until it becomes perseverate and dysfunctional. The researchers aim to describe the level of anxiety of college students by utilizing the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale to form a foundation for programs and policies that would address dysfunctional health anxiety METHODS: The researchers used a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive online survey research design to describe the level of COVID-19 health anxiety among college students in a private higher educational institution in Central Luzon, Philippines. RESULTS: A total of 378 college students completed the survey. Analysis revealed that participants checked for symptoms of COVID-19 and were worried about possibly contracting COVID-19 for more than 7 days within two weeks (M=3.9; SD=1.5). It also revealed that the participants avoided situations that put them at risk for COVID-19 at a similar frequency (M=4.1; SD=0.4). CONCLUSION The study reveals the sampled college students manifested COVID-19 anxiety for more than 7 days in a 2-week timeframe. This means that the students spend a significant amount of their time, in a two-week timeframe, worrying, checking, and avoiding situations that may put them at risk for COVID-19. These anxiety-induced behaviors may hinder the accomplishment of their activities of daily living or productive pursuits.