Abstract

BIMBELA, J.L. et al. Condom use among the young engaging in vaginal intercourse. Gac Sanit [online]. 2002, vol.16, n.4, pp.298-307. ISSN 0213-9111.

Objective: To describe young people's use of condoms in penetrative vaginal intercourse, and to identify the factors associated with this use. Method: The information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire put in 1,000 people between 14 and 24 years of age resident in the region of Andalusia (Spain). The results of the sample were representative and the trust interval was 95%. A bivariante analysis was carried out and hierarchical logistic regression equations were adjusted to verify associations between the dependent variable «use of the condom in the vaginal intercourse» and the variables proposed from PRECEDE model (predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing). The adjustment of the model was of a 38%, according to the Nagelkerke's statistic. Results: Of the people surveyed, 750 had affective and/or sexual relations with physical contact, and 63% of these had vaginal intercourse (47% of all surveyed). Of those, people that only had vaginal intercourse once (12% of all surveyed), 83% (10,3% of all surveyed) used a condom, whereas, people that had sex more than once (34% of all surveyed), 49% always used a condom (16,9% of all surveyed). The variables associated with always using a condom were: intention of «safe» behaviour with their regular partner and low frequency of practice. The variables associated with never using a condom were: living emancipated, having an external locus of control (thinking that becoming infected depends upon external factors), low number of zones of the body identified as pleasure-sensitive, thinking that a condom is not necessary if one trusts his or her partner, intention of «unsafe» behaviour with their regular partner, and not talking with the partner about preventive methods before having sex. Discussion: The most associated factors with using or not a condom in vaginal intercourse are predisposing (attitudes, values and believes) that are related with the kind of sexual partner. Interventions (based on the young active participation) are suggested to make them perceived the compatibility between the trust with the partner and the use of condom, and put in doubt the «false safety» given by a partner perceived as habitual.

Keywords : Young; Vaginal intercourse; Condom; HIV prevention; AIDS.

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