Psychosocial correlates of condom usage in a developing country

Abstract:

This study examines the psychosocial factors accounting for condom usage during the last sexual episode for males, females, and the general population aged 15– 49 years, and the psychosocial factors accounting for frequency of condom usage in Jamaica. Logistic regression models were estimated using data collected in 2004 by the Jamaica Ministry of Health. Sixty- nine percent of the sample indicated that they had used a condom in the past, but only 31% reported that they had always used a condom in the previous 12 months, compared with 16.5% who reported “most times”, 21.4% who reported “sometimes”, and 31% who reported “never”. Five variables emerged as statistically significant factors for the last time males used a condom (Dz = 128.76, P < 0.001), four variables for females (Dz = 75.45, P < 0.001), and five variables for the general population (Dz = 200.84, P < 0.001). The three most significant factors which correlated with frequency of condom usage in the previous 12 months with a current partner, in descending order, were condom usage during the first act of sexual intercourse with a current sexual partner, self-efficacy, and marital status. These findings are discussed within the general context of understanding condom usage, frequency of condom usage among Jamaicans, and how these can aid public health intervention programs.

Keywords::

• condom use
• sexual behavior
• psychosocial factors
• public health