[Trends in condom use: Brazil 1998 and 2005].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the levels, tendencies and sociodemographic differentials of condom use among the Brazilian urban population.


METHODS
The data analyzed was collected in 1998 and 2005, in the study, "Sexual Behavior and Perceptions of the Brazilian Population concerning HIV/Aids". The probabilistic samples, in multiple stages, included men and women aged 16 to 65 years old, living in urban areas. Interviews with individuals that had been sexually active during the 12 months preceding the interview were included in the analysis. The univariate models were based on chi-square tests, corrected by sample planning, and odds ratio calculations; multivariate analysis involved adjustment of logistic regression models, controlling all other interest variables.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in the use of condoms in the 12 months preceding the interview and at the last sexual intercourse. Young people from 16 to 24 years of age protected themselves more in sexual intercourse, particularly with eventual partners. Men used condoms more frequently only when they had an eventual partner. The use of condoms was more frequent among single people. There were no regional differences with respect to the consistent use of the condom. In stable relationships Pentecostals reveal the least amount of protection in sexual intercourse. People who have no religious affiliation or adepts of other religions have higher rates of protection. Level of education, an important differential with respect to the use of condoms in 1998, maintained its prominence in 2005.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the need for greater in depth discussion concerning actions that are geared towards increasing the consistent use of condoms, particularly among populations with lower educational levels and those that are more vulnerable, such as young women or women in stable relationships.
Berquó
Elza
E
Area de População e Sociedade, Centro Brasileiro de Análise e Planejamento, São Paulo, Brazil, SP. popu@cebrap.org.br
Barbosa
Regina Maria
RM
Lima
Liliam Pereira de
LP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D055815:Young Adult