Men who have sex with men account for nonuse of condoms

Despite several decades of health promotion activity targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM), rates for nonuse of condoms for anal sex among MSM worldwide and in New Zealand have been increasing in recent times. In this article we report on the first local qualitative investigation undertaken in Auckland, New Zealand, of how members of a particular group of MSM account for nonuse of condoms for anal sex with other men. We collected qualitative data from 22 MSM (17 face-to-face interviews, and three online interviews involving 5 men). Thematic analysis led to the identification of five patterns that account for the nonuse of condoms: (a) substance use, (b) psychological aspects, (c) difficulties using condoms, (d) condoms in relationships, and (e) managing risk. We conclude that although this information generally confirms the findings in the wider research literature, it is also important in the local context as the first research that can be used with confidence in developing and refining health promotion initiatives to address this issue