Factors associated with maintenance of regular condom use among single heterosexual adults: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to describe behavioural and psychosocial characteristics of single heterosexuals towards regular condom use, and to identify factors associated with the maintenance of this behaviour over time.


METHODS
A cohort of 179 single heterosexual adults (83 men and 96 women, mean age: 32 years) was followed over a period of 2 years. The data were collected, by phone interviews, at baseline and 1 and 2 years later. The phone numbers were generated using a random digit strategy.


RESULTS
The following changes were observed: over time fewer people were sexually active, but those who were, reported more often having had more than one sexual partner. No significant change was observed regarding condom use. The psychosocial variables remained stable during the study period. To have a favourable intention was the main factor associated with maintenance of condom use. Having had a STD, personal normative beliefs and positive attitude were also associated with regular condom use.


CONCLUSIONS
Promotion strategies should highlight the importance of acting as a responsible person, reinforce the advantages of using condoms, and select strategies that favour the implementation of intention of using condoms.
Godin
Gaston
G
Research Group on Behaviours in the Field of Health, Faculty of Nursing, Paul-Comtois Building, Room 4108-A, Laval University, Quebec (Quebec) G1K 7P4. Gaston.Godin@fsi.ulaval.ca
Gagnon
Hélène
H
Lambert
Léo-Daniel
LD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012847:Single Person / Q000523:psychology*