Condom Use Behavior among Students in The University

Abstract

AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases are serious public health issues, yet studies on factors associated with condom use behavior among university students are limited and those that are available are outdated. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate current factors contributing to condom use behavior during university students and to characterize the prevalence of unprotected (condom-free) university students enrolled in one faculty at one university. For data collection, a questionnaire was distributed to 150 university students. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs), 95% confidence intervals, and p-values. The results showed that, with other variables controlled, statistically significant factors (p-value<0.05) associated with condom use behavior university student respondents were: 1) alcohol consumption prior to sexual intercourse (AOR=2.48, 95% CI =1.15-5.32, p-value=0.02) and 2) attitudes toward condom use (AOR=6.78, 95% CI =3.12-14.77, p-value<0.001). The prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse in the study was 64.0% (95% CI=56.0-72.0). The findings from this study suggest that relevant departments should promote positive attitudes toward condom use among teenagers and should control underage purchase of alcoholic beverages (under 20 years of age). Additionally, parents, peers, and those with close relationships to teenagers are encouraged to be vigilant and prevent teenagers from alcohol use, as it may lead to unprotected sex.