Objectives: To identify the key determinants of condom use with regular and casual partners among urban Cameroonian youth.
Data and Methods: Data stem from a reproductive health survey conducted in July-August 2000 among a representative sample of 1,910 unmarried youth aged 15-24. Following theoretical models of behavior change, we use logistic regression to assess the effect of AIDS awareness, condom access and affordability, perceived condom effectiveness, social support, self-efficacy, and personal risk perception on condom use.
Results: Preliminary analyses indicate that the likelihood that a young female used a condom with her regular partner increases significantly with level of self-efficacy (OR=4.9;p=.005) and decreases with age (OR=.9;p=.003). For males, it increases with level of self-efficacy (OR=5.3;p=.000), and is lower for those who believe that condom use reduces sexual pleasure (OR=.7;p=.022).
The predictors of condom use with casual partners are different. Among females, condom use with casual partners is not significantly affected by any of the predictor variables. Among males, use with casual partners is significantly higher for those who have discussed STDs in the past year (OR=1.9;p=.027), who know a condom source within 10 minutes distance (OR=2.8;p=.009), and who perceive to be at moderate/high risk of HIV infection (OR=2.7;p=.008.
Conclusions: Self-efficacy is one of the most important predictor of condom use with regular and casual partners among Cameroonian youth. However, for males condom use in casual relationships is also strongly affected by risk perception and condom access.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to: 1. Discuss the relative importance of various determinants of condom use among youth in urban Cameroon, and 2. Recognize how HIV prevention programs that specifically target youth can most effectively increase condom use.
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Condom Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.