Factors associated with condom use among Aboriginal people: a systematic review

To review evidence on factors associated with condom use among Aboriginal people and the methodological quality of studies assessing these factors.

A systematic review of published and unpublished literature was undertaken. Searches of databases and indexes were performed and authors were contacted directly. Studies reporting on associations between any independent variables and a condom use outcome were included. Data on the quality of each study was extracted, and the strength of evidence for associations between risk factors and condom use outcomes was assessed by counting the number of studies and sample size of each study.

Searches yielded 17 analyses on 10 independent samples that met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional and utilized small non-representative samples. Some evidence for a negative association between condom use and having a steady partner emerged; and a negative association between White male/Alaska Native female sex partner pairs was found. Evidence was insufficient to judge associations between other risk factors and condom use.

The quality and quantity of evidence regarding the predictors of condom use in Aboriginal populations is limited. A concerted effort in primary research on facilitators of and barriers to condom use which are specific to and appropriate for Aboriginal people is needed to inform effective condom promotion interventions for Aboriginal communities.