The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55281

Richard A. Crosby, PhD¹, William L. Yarber, HSD², Stephanie A. Sanders, PhD³, and Cynthia A Graham, PhD³. (1) Emory Center for AIDS Research, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Room 542, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-712-8514, rcrosby@sph.emory.edu, (2) Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, (3) The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction and Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Morrison Hall 313, 1165 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-3700

Objective: To assess the prevalence and correlates of two causes of condom failure among university undergraduates: not using the condom from start to finish of sex (incomplete use) and breakage/slippage. Methods: Undergraduates (N=427) from a large Midwestern university completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, using a 3-month recall period. The sample was comprised of single males and females ages 18-24 years. Those indicating they had put the condom on after sex had begun or removed it before sex was over were classified as using condoms incompletely if, in the latter case, they did not also report breakage/slippage (n=397). For analysis, breakage/slippage was defined as reporting at least one event of breakage or slippage. For each cause of condom failure, correlates were tested in a multivariate logistic regression model to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results: 46% used condoms incompletely and 31% reported breakage/slippage (gender differences not observed). Incomplete use was more common among those having sex more frequently (AOR=1.9, P=.003), those experiencing condom-associated erection problems (AOR=1.9, P=.03) and less common among those highly motivated to use condoms (AOR=.65, P=.04). Breakage/slippage was more common among those who had never been instructed how to use condoms correctly (AOR=3.5, P=.001), those using condoms more frequently (AOR=4.8, P=.001), and more common among those reporting both they and their sex partner were not highly motivated to use condoms (AOR=2.2, P=.02).

Learning Objectives:

• Audience members will be able to describe implications of the study findings for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy among college students.

Keywords: Condom Use, Risky Behaviors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.