Table 2 Motives and barriers for condom use and regular STI testing

Motives

Protecting the sex partner (20) ^a

 Preventing further transmission

 Learning from your own mistakes

 Protecting the less experienced

 Emotional bond

Personal benefit (8)

 Protection for STI

 Alternative to disclosure

 Habitual condom use

 Hygienic benefits

Situational triggers (7)

 Mutual decisions with sexual partners

 Compliance with situational norms

Health consciousness (15)

Protecting partner from STI (5)

Feeling vulnerable for infections (7)

Barriers

Emotional reactions to HIV diagnosis (8)

 Feelings of vulnerability and worthlessness

 Anger for being infected

 Relief from fear of HIV

Transition from HIV-negative to -positive (10)

 Difficulties in changing sexual behaviour patterns

 Insisting on condom use seen as indirect disclosure

 No perceived need for self-protection

Interpersonal and situational factors (11)

 Assumed concordant HIV status

 Casual sexual partner’s decision

 Steady partner’s wish

 Using drugs/alcohol in a sexual context

Perceptions of safety (10)

 Misperceptions STI transmission risk

 Misperceptions of STI testing procedures

Situational barriers (5)

 Aversion to STI testing site

 Burdensome testing procedures