Novak Daniel P, Karlsson Roger B
Department of Public Health, Clinical Medicine and Family Medicine, University of Umeå, SE 901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2005 Oct-Dec;17(4):379-90. doi: 10.1515/ijamh.2005.17.4.379.
Despite preventive measures promoting the condom as a good barrier method and a good preventive measure for STIs, teenage abortions and STIs are increasing in our society.
The aim of this study was to explore which male factors are associated with non-condom use and also which female factors are associated with non-condom use among their sexual partners.
A population-based study, among all 18-year old girls and boys in four cities in northern Sweden.
The participants answered a questionnaire regarding their social lifestyle, psychological-, and sexual health. The associations between the independent variables and the dependent variable (non-condom use) were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Four significant (p<0.05) male variables associated with non-condom use were identified: living with partner during the weekends, feeling depressed, being a party smoker, and girl partner taking oral contraceptives. Two significant (p<0.05) female variables were associated with non-condom: using oral contraceptives and feeling forced into sex. Having TV and movie watching as favourite free time activity was identified as a significant protective female variable associated with condom use.
The study found several male and female factors associated with non-condom use, where the usage of oral contraception was the strongest indicator for non-condom use. The study showed a gender difference in the variables associated with condom use and the results have been suggested as useful in future preventive measures promoting condom usage.
