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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Correlates of condom use among males in North Sudan

Badreldin A. Mohamed
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 10219, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia. Email: bmohamed@ksu.edu.sa

Sexual Health 11(1) 31-36 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH13090
Submitted: 9 June 2013  Accepted: 13 December 2013   Published: 24 February 2014

Abstract

Objectives: In sub-Saharan Africa countries, HIV infections are transmitted primary through heterosexual contact. Correct and consistent condom use has been promoted as a method to prevent sexually transmissible infections, including HIV. The aim of this study was to assess and determine the factors influencing condom use in Khartoum, Sudan. Materials and methods: Out of the 45 voluntary counselling and testing centres in Khartoum region, 10 centres were selected. A random sample of 804 respondents aged 20–40 years was selected. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors of condom use. Results: About 12% of respondents reported using condoms consistently, 41.5% used them sporadically and 46.3% were nonusers. Most of the participants had problems with condom use (81.9%) and friends were the main source of condoms (72%). Knowledge about AIDS transmission, knowing someone who is infected with or had died of AIDS, experiencing condom problems, type of sexual partners, purchase embarrassment and education were the main predictors of condom use. Conclusions: Condom use among the Sudanese is low. Strategies to promote condom use should focus on price support for condoms by the government, expanded private sector condom distribution and the integration of sex education in school curriculums or via frequent discussion on television.

Additional keywords: AIDS, HIV, sub-Saharan Africa.


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