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Factors Associated with Maintenance of Regular Condom Use Among Single Heterosexual Adults

A Longitudinal Study

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Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

The aims of this study were to describe behavioural and psychosocial characteristics of single heterosexuals towards regular condom use, and to identify factors associated with the maintenance of this behaviour over time.

Method

A cohort of 179 single heterosexual adults (83 men and 96 women, mean age: 32 years) was followed over a period of 2 years. The data were collected, by phone interviews, at baseline and 1 and 2 years later. The phone numbers were generated using a random digit strategy.

Results

The following changes were observed: over time fewer people were sexually active, but those who were, reported more often having had more than one sexual partner. No significant change was observed regarding condom use. The psychosocial variables remained stable during the study period. To have a favourable intention was the main factor associated with maintenance of condom use. Having had a STD, personal normative beliefs and positive attitude were also associated with regular condom use.

Discussion

Promotion strategies should highlight the importance of acting as a responsible person, reinforce the advantages of using condoms, and select strategies that favour the implementation of intention of using condoms.

Résumé

Objectifs

Cette étude vise dans un premier temps à décrire les caractéristiques comportementales et psychosociales des adultes hétérosexuels et célibataires au regard de l’usage régulier du condom, et dans un deuxième temps à définir les facteurs associés au maintien de son usage dans le temps.

Méthode

Une cohorte de 179 adultes hétérosexuels et célibataires (83 hommes et 96 femmes, âge moyen: 32 ans) a été suivie sur une période de deux ans. Les données ont été recueillies, par le biais d’entrevues téléphoniques, à l’entrée dans l’étude et un et deux ans plus tard. Les numéros de téléphone ont été générés à partir d’une liste aléatoire de chiffres.

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Les changements suivants sont observés dans le temps: bien que moins nombreux à être actifs sexuellement, ceux qui l’ont été déclarent plus souvent avoir plus d’un partenaire sexuel. Aucun changement significatif n’est observé au regard de l’usage du condom. Les caractéristiques psychosociales sont demeurées stables dans le temps. Avoir une intention favorable est le principal facteur associé au maintien de l’usage régulier du condom. Avoir déjà eu une MTS, les convictions personnelles et une attitude positive y sont aussi associés.

Discussion

Les approches de promotion de l’usage du condom devraient rappeler l’importance d’agir de manière responsable et les avantages d’utiliser un condom. On sélectionnera aussi des stratégies qui favorisent la mise à exécution des intentions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laval University Research Group on Behaviours in the Field of Health, Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada

    Gaston Godin PhD (Director), Hélène Gagnon MA & Léo-Daniel Lambert MPs

Authors
  1. Gaston Godin PhD
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  2. Hélène Gagnon MA
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  3. Léo-Daniel Lambert MPs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gaston Godin PhD.

Additional information

Research funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council of Canada (MT-14485)

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Godin, G., Gagnon, H. & Lambert, LD. Factors Associated with Maintenance of Regular Condom Use Among Single Heterosexual Adults. Can J Public Health 94, 287–291 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403607

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