Table 2.

Motives and barriers for condom use and regular STI testing

	Condom use	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

^a (x) numbers of participants addressing these topics during the interviews