Condom use at first and latest sexual events among young people: evidence from a rural and peri-urban setting in Uganda

NM Tumwesigye, R Ingham, D Holmes

Abstract

Background: Condom use remains low among young people despite high prevalence of HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy in Uganda.

Objectives: This paper presents patterns of condom use at first and latest sexual events and associated factors.

Methods: The data were obtained from 445 sexually active unmarried people aged 15-24 from one peri-urban and another rural district. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling technique was applied. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with condom use at each of the two sexual events, while multinomial logistic regression was used to establish factors correlated with condom use at both first and last sex.

Results: Factors associated with condom use at each event were residence in the peri-urban district and higher education attainment. Factors  correlated with condom use at both first and last sex were residence in peri-urban district (p<0.001) and being in school (p<0.01). Alcohol consumption and age at first sex were only significant at one event.

Conclusion: Some factors that influence condom use at first sex are different from those that affect condom use at latest sexual event. Prevention programmes against STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancies among young people focus more on rural areas and those with minimal or no education.

Key words: Multinomial logistic regression, dynamics of condom use, HIV, STI, STD, unplanned pregnancy