CORRELATES OF CONDOM USE IN THE YOUNG-ADULT POPULATION IN ONTARIO

Objectives and Methods: Data from the Ontario Health Survey were used to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle and sexual history characteris tics associated with die use of condoms for protection against sexuall y transmitted diseases (STDs) in randomly selected adults between the ages of 16 and 44 years who had had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months before the survey (n = 2,699). Results: Forty-two percent r eported not having I used condoms for protection against STDs. Those m ost likely to use condoms were 16 to 24 years of age, males, students, non-binge-drinkers, urban residents, and those at higher risk for HIV /AIDS. Of those who used condoms, 68% did not use them consistently. I ndividuals most likely to always use condoms were 16 to 24 years of ag e, males, students, non-binge-drinkers, and those with secondary schoo l education. Age, gender, occupational activity, and non-binge-drinker s, were common correlates of both condom use and consistent use. Concl usions: Public health messages should be focused on people with multip le sex partners who are not using condoms for STD protection, includin g rural residents, those with high level of education, and those over 34 years of age.