Factors Influencing Condom Use Among Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Patients in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Abstract

The use of condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We conducted this study to determine factors that impact condom use among patients attending an STI clinic in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A questionnaire containing sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of STIs and HIV, preventive measures for STI/HIV transmission and sexual practices including condom use was administered to 212 participants. Using logistic regression, we determined the relationship between the different factors and condom use during the last sexual episode. Approximately 43% of study participants reported condom use during the last sexual episode. Employment (OR=2.2; 95%CI=1.1-4.1) and greater knowledge of STIs (OR=1.9, 95%CI=1.02-3.6) were associated with increased likelihood of condom use during the last sexual episode. Having multiple sexual partners was associated with decreased likelihood to report condom use (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1-0.9). Also, persons belonging to a religious organization were less likely to report condom use (OR=0.5, 95%CI=0.2-0.9). The results of this study can be used in formulating effective strategies to increase condom use in Montego Bay. This would decrease the transmission of STIs and HIV.

Gender norms and sexual behaviours among men in western Jamaica

“…8,[41][42][43] Several studies have consistently revealed a high prevalence (>50% in most instances) of having multiple sex partners among males (especially younger men) in Jamaica. 24,25,28,29 Although condoms are widely available in Jamaica, as most of the HIV prevention programs promote condom use, 15 and some progress in condom use has been made over the years, 24 condom use at last sex among individuals is still relatively low (less than 60%), as shown by our study and others. 8,15,[28][29][30] Although our findings, as well as others, have shown a relatively higher rate of condom use (!75%) with nonregular partners, 24,44 there is still a great need for innovative interventions to promote safer sex, given the high proportion of men reporting multiple sexual partners and the low prevalence of consistent condom use (31%) among men in our study.…”

“…13,14 Gender differences in sexual norms have been identified as a significant driver of HIV transmission in the Caribbean and are therefore pivotal to our understanding of the dynamics of the HIV epidemic in the region. 5,6,15,16 The effect of gender norms on men's behaviours is exacerbated, as most sexual and reproductive health service programs focus on women and children, with little or no involvement of men. [17][18][19] Additionally, in some societies, females are not expected to be knowledgeable about safer sex practices, and those seeking information about safer sex are often viewed as promiscuous or adulterous.…”

Psychosocial correlates of condom usage in a developing country

“…Using logistic regression, 34 this paper tested variables identified in the literature, as well as adding some new ones. The current work tests condom usage the last time males had sexual intercourse (equation 1.1), condom usage the last time females had sexual intercourse (equation 2.1), condom usage the last time the general population had sexual intercourse (equation 3.1), and frequency of condom usage (equation 4.1) as follows:…”

“…In a study using a sample of 212 respondents who had STIs and were attending clinics in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Nnedu et al 34 found that 43% reported that they used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. It was also found that employment status, greater knowledge of STIs, multiple sexual partners, and belonging to a religious organization were significantly correlated with last condom usage.…”

“…46 In the aforementioned discussion, we have omitted condom fit and knowledge of proper contraceptive use in explaining the low level of contraception use, large numbers of unplanned pregnancies, and increased STI rates. A study by Nnedu et al 34 found that greater knowledge regarding STIs was associated with an increased likelihood of condom use during the last sexual episode and, again, "Does it fit okay?" 24 is omitted.…”