Predictors of condom use among patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are at an increased risk of HIV infection and they must be targeted for increased condom use.


OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of condom use among patients with STDs.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Nuwaha
F
F
Department of Community Health, Mbarara University, Uganda.
Faxelid
E
E
Höjer
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D014454:Uganda