[Use of condoms during sexual intercourse: a population-based study]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Low condom use poses a significant risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancies.
• Understanding factors associated with inconsistent condom use is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and socioeconomic characteristics linked to the failure of women to use condoms during sexual intercourse.
• To inform targeted interventions aimed at increasing condom usage among vulnerable female populations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in an urban area of Southern Brazil in 2003.
• 1,026 women aged 20-60 years were included, utilizing cluster sampling.
• Logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between condom use failure and various socioeconomic, demographic, and health care variables.

Main Results:

• Of 867 sexually active women, only 29.1% reported consistent condom use.
• Logistic regression identified women who were married or in stable partnerships, and those over 40 years old, as groups with significantly lower condom usage.
• No association was found between condom use and other explored variables, such as obstetric history or healthcare utilization.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a low prevalence of condom use among the studied female population.
• Specific groups, particularly married/partnered women and those over 40, require targeted health policies and services.
• Interventions should focus on enhancing risk perception for sexually transmitted diseases within these identified vulnerable groups.