Related Factors with Condom Using among Transvestites in DKI Jakarta in year 2000One way to determine the risk level of sexual behavior for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or HIV/AIDS is by measuring condom usage. Risky sexual behavior can be defined as sexual intercourse without consistent use of condoms.
This research involves a survey to determine the level of condom usage among transvestites in 5 districts in Jakarta. The goal of this research is to explore factors relating to condom usage among transvestites in DKI Jakarta using cross sectional methodology research design. Data collection has been conducted over a 3 week period, and involved a sample of 138 transvestites, all of whom had sexual intercourse over the previous 2 weeks.
The Dependent Variable is condom usage, while the Independent Variables are: 1) predisposing factors such as age, education, occupation, earnings, health knowledge (STD, HIV/AIDS and condom), previous sexual behavior, current sexual behavior, medication seeking behavior, reason for becoming a sex workers, excuses for always/not always wearing condoms; 2) access to condoms, source of information on HIV/AIDS and condoms; 3) perceptions regarding level of intimacy between transvestites and other persons.
The research uses univariate and bivariate analysis. The result of the research shows that condom usage among transvestite is 15,2 % consistent and 84,8% inconsistent. From bivariate analysis, it has been found that a variable that has a significant relation with condom usage is the place where transvestites usually perform sexual intercourse. Other independent variables do not have a significant relationship with condom usage.
Based on the result of this research, it is proposed that counseling programs be instigated to increase negotiation skills, and also to provide information to explain that the only effective method to prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS for transvestites engaged in high risk sexual behavior is condom usage. This is because transvestites have many sexual partners and they often engage in anal intercourse. NGOs involved in AIDS Prevention and condom manufacturers are expected to take active roles in delivering these messages.