Predictors of condom use among patients with sexually transmitted diseasesin Uganda

Background and Objective: Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs ) are at an increased risk of HN infection and they must be targeted for in creased condom use. Goal: To identify predictors of condom use among patients with STDs. Study Design: In a cross-sectional survey, an interview-administered questi onnaire was administered to 138 patients at the STD clinic, Mulago, and the outpatients department, Mbarara Hospital, in Uganda, Data were collected o n sociodemographic situations, STD symptoms, type of sexual partners, and u se of condoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identif y independent predictors of condom use. Results: Of the 138 patients, 87 (66%) knew how to use condoms, 81 (59%) ev er used a condom, 34 (25%) used a condom at least once in the previous 3 mo nths, 20 (15%) used a condom during the last sexual intercourse, and 80 (58 %) accepted a free supply of condoms. Reasons for not using condoms among t he 57 who had never were: having a regular partner or spouse (28, 49%), par tner does not approve (17, 30%), reduced sexual pleasure (5, 9%), and no an swer (7, 12%). The independent predictors of condom use were: being a man, not having a regular partner, having had sex with a casual partner, being a ble to read English, having at least secondary education, and using electri city for lighting. Conclusion: Providing health promotion messages in local languages may impr ove condom use in this population. There is a need for complementary HIV pr evention strategies for women and for regular sexual partnerships.