[Condom use by men with non-stable partners in Mexico City]

To analyze the association between sociodemographic variables and condom use during vaginal sexual relationships with non-stable partners.

Data were taken from a household probability survey on sexual behavior in 1992-1993 in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. Of the completed survey were obtained 8,068 men of 15 to 60 years of age. 1,535 were selected because they reported that their last sexual relationship with vaginal intercourse had been with a non-stable partner. Principal component analyses were conducted to groups of variables with common underlying structures, these components and other variables were included in a logistic regressions. Condom use during last intercourse was the dependent variable.

Feeling that sex with condoms or sex without penetration could be pleasurable, a high ranking in a scale on self-efficacy for condom use, compulsion for using a condom because of being afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS were positively associated with using a condom in the last sexual intercourse. Marital status, schooling, and the number of episodes of sexually transmitted diseases were significantly associated with condom use. Perception of inevitability of becoming infected due to lack of trust in condoms was negatively associated with its use. None of the variables regarding knowledge on HIV/AIDS, including means of transmission and ways to prevent its infection, showed any significant association with condom use.

Even when information is considered important in educational strategies, it might be more important to promote a positive perception on condoms and safe sex as pleasurable (at the individual and social level), as well as the promotion of self-efficacy on being able to use a condom or enforce preventive behaviors against HIV infection.