Determinants of multiple sexual partners and condom use among sexually active Tanzanians

This paper is based on the analyses of data collected in the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). The TDHS national sample was obtained by using 1988 population census list of enumeration areas. Information about sexual behaviour and condom use was obtained from sexually active women (N = 4620) and men (N = 1440) reporting sexual activity during the period of four weeks preceding the survey. Univariate and multivariate (using logistic regression model) analyses were done to identify predictors of condom use and highrisk sexual behaviour. About 6% of women and 31% of men reported to have more than one sexual partner during the study period. Compared to respondents married once and in monogamous union, the tendency to have multiple partners was increased among never married women [OR 10.9, 95% CI (7.1-16.9)] and men [2.6 (1 7-3.9)], formerly married women [11.5 (7.3-17.9)], and among men in monogamous marriage reporting more than one marriage [12.4 (8.3-18.4)]. Occupation, residence, ever use of contraceptives, and AIDS knowledge were not associated with history of multiple sexual partners. Only 134 (9.3%) men and 173 (3.7%) women reported to have used condoms during the study period. After adjusting for other predictors of condom use, respondents reporting multiple sexual partners were more likely to have used condom among both women [3.4 (2.2-5.4)] and men [3.3 (2.3-6.0)]. Condom use was common in urban areas than rural areas and among unmarried respondents. These results show that high-risk sexual behaviour is common among men. Condom use was very low indicating that efforts to promote condom use has been less successful in Tanzania. More efforts are needed to promote safer sexual practices and condom use in Tanzania.