Predictors of condom use among patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Uganda

Sex Transm Dis. 1999 Oct;26(9):491-5. doi: 10.1097/00007435-199910000-00001.

Abstract

Background and objective: Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are at an increased risk of HIV infection and they must be targeted for increased condom use.

Goal: To identify predictors of condom use among patients with STDs.

Study design: In a cross-sectional survey, an interview-administered questionnaire was administered to 138 patients at the STD clinic, Mulago, and the outpatients department, Mbarara Hospital, in Uganda. Data were collected on socio-demographic situations, STD symptoms, type of sexual partners, and use of condoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of condom use.

Results: Of the 138 patients, 87 (66%) knew how to use condoms, 81 (59%) ever used a condom, 34 (25%) used a condom at least once in the previous 3 months, 20 (15%) used a condom during the last sexual intercourse, and 80 (58%) accepted a free supply of condoms. Reasons for not using condoms among the 57 who had never were: having a regular partner or spouse (28, 49%), partner does not approve (17, 30%), reduced sexual pleasure (5, 9%), and no answer (7, 12%). The independent predictors of condom use were: being a man, not having a regular partner, having had sex with a casual partner, being able to read English, having at least secondary education, and using electricity for lighting.

Conclusion: Providing health promotion messages in local languages may improve condom use in this population. There is a need for complementary HIV prevention strategies for women and for regular sexual partnerships.

PIP: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 138 sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients in Mbarara Hospital, Uganda, to understand the predictors of condom use among patients with STDs with a view of suggesting measures for increased condom use. Data were collected on sociodemographic situations, STD symptoms, type of sexual partners, and use of condoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of condom use. Results showed that of the 138 patients (58 men, 80 women), 87 (42 men, 45 women) knew how to use a condom; 81 had ever used a condom, 34 had used a condom at least once in the previous 3 months, 20 had used one during the last intercourse, and 80 had accepted a free supply of condoms. Reasons among the 57 patients for not using condoms were: having a regular partner or spouse (28.49%); partner does not approve (30%); reduced sexual pleasure (9%); and no answer (12%). The results also showed that the predictors of condom use were: being a man; not having a regular partner; having had sex with a casual partner; able to read English; having a secondary education; and using electricity for lighting. Therefore, the results suggested that providing health promotion in local languages would improve condom use in the area. Furthermore, a complementary HIV prevention strategy is needed for women and regular sexual partners.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contact Tracing / methods
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • Uganda