Dewaele Alexis, Koppen Eva, Van den Eynde Sandra
Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
Sensoa, Flemish Expertise Centre for Sexual Health, President Building, F. Rooseveltplaats 12 bus 7, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Nov 21;21(12):1545. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121545.
This study aims to address the gap in understanding condom use (CU) behavior in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking community in Belgium) by applying a mixed methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. Utilizing a large-scale survey of over 14,000 participants and 11 in-depth interviews, the study explores key factors influencing CU, including (amongst others) relationship status, attitudes toward condoms, and STI testing. Quantitative findings highlight significant predictors such as the type of partner (casual vs. steady), STI testing behaviors, and negative attitudes toward condoms. Qualitative insights further reveal personal experiences that complicate CU decisions, such as the disruption of sexual flow and emotional dynamics within relationships. These findings underscore the complexity of CU behavior, showing that practical barriers (e.g., discomfort, fit) and personal beliefs play pivotal roles. The study concludes that targeted public health interventions could focus on improving condom accessibility and addressing both practical and emotional factors. Recommendations for sexual health education include promoting communication around CU and enhancing condom experimentation and fit. These findings contribute valuable insights into enhancing sexual health outcomes through more nuanced, contextualized approaches to condom use.
本研究旨在通过采用混合方法，整合定量和定性数据，填补对比利时弗拉芒地区（荷语区）避孕套使用（CU）行为理解方面的空白。该研究利用对14000多名参与者的大规模调查以及11次深度访谈，探究影响避孕套使用的关键因素，包括（但不限于）恋爱关系状况、对避孕套的态度以及性传播感染检测情况。定量研究结果突出了一些重要预测因素，如伴侣类型（随意型与稳定型）、性传播感染检测行为以及对避孕套的消极态度。定性研究的见解进一步揭示了使避孕套使用决策复杂化的个人经历，比如性关系节奏的中断以及恋爱关系中的情感动态。这些发现强调了避孕套使用行为的复杂性，表明实际障碍（如不适、尺寸不合适）和个人观念起着关键作用。该研究得出结论，有针对性的公共卫生干预措施可侧重于提高避孕套的可及性，并解决实际和情感因素。对性健康教育的建议包括促进围绕避孕套使用的沟通，以及增加对不同避孕套的试用和改善尺寸适配性。这些发现为通过更细致入微、因地制宜的避孕套使用方法来改善性健康结果提供了宝贵的见解。
