Rectal douching and lubricant use among global web-survey respondents

Shauna Stahlman, Marjan Javanbakht, Jim Pickett, Marc-Andre LeBlanc, Pamina Gorbach

Rectal douching and lubricant use among global web-survey respondents

1BackgroundThe acceptability of rectal microbicides formulated as gels or lubricants (lubes) may be affected by other rectal hygiene behaviors such as douching

We examined lube use and sexual risk behaviors among those who reported anal intercourse (AI), in order to assess whether these practices differed by rectal douching practice2ObjectivesTo determine:Are douchers more likely to use lube than non-douchers?

Are douchers practicing more risky sexual behaviors than non-douchers, and if so which behaviors?

Are douchers at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than non-douchers? 3MethodsAnonymous web-based survey posted on IRMAs websiteDistributed via listservsRespondents from August-October 2011>=18 yrs oldAI in past 3 monthsSurvey was available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Russian

4Survey questionsDemographics (age, gender, country)AI in past 3 monthsDouche in past 3 monthsCommercial/homemade product informationFrequency of use and reasons for useRisk behaviors# and type of partners, drug useFrequency of condom and lube use for receptive AISTI history5Characteristics of survey respondents926 total responsesResponses from 56 countries, majority from North America (66%) or Europe (19%)82% male, 16% female and 2% transgender Mean age = 38 years (range 18-75)708 reported AI in the past 3 months and included in the analysis

6Sample characteristics, those reporting AI (N=708)Characteristicn%Male62388