Gender differed factors affecting male condom use. A population-based study of 18-year-old Swedish adolescents.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
A population-based study, among all 18-year old girls and boys in four cities in northern Sweden.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Novak
Daniel P
DP
Department of Public Health, Clinical Medicine and Family Medicine, University of Umeå, SE 901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
Karlsson
Roger B
RB
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral