Trends and determinants of condom use in Uganda

Documenting trends in condom use and exploring factors associated with their utilization are important for broadening the information base for the design of HIV intervention programs. This paper aims to document Uganda's nationwide trends in condom use from 1995 to 2006 and seeks to understand some of the socio-demographic variables that may be associated with their use, using Uganda Demographic Health Surveys (UDHSs).

Data from UDHSs conducted in 1995, 2000/2001 and 2006 were analyzed. Socio-demographic variables as well as 'survey year' were selected to assess their interaction with condom use. Multivariate regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were computed.

Socio-demographic factors such as being male and living in an urban setting were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reported use of condoms. All results indicated a far greater increase in condom use between 1995 and 2000/2001 than between 2000/2001 and 2006.

Policies need to intensify condom use campaigns especially among women and rural populations. The wane in increase in condom use between 2000/2001 and 2006 may be due to the large-scale influx of antiretrovirals (starting in 2004) which may be lowering the anxiety associated with the social construct of HIV/AIDS.