A Study of Sociodemographic Determinants of Consistent and Correct Condom Use among Homosexual Males Aged 18-24 Years in a Metropolitan City.

Abstract

Background: One of the biggest problems faced by the homosexual population is the high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases including human immunodeficiency virus which can be attributed to inconsistent and incorrect use of condom. Condom usage among homosexuals is affected by many factors which may have a positive or negative impact on it. This study aimed to find out the different sociodemographic determinants that were associated with consistent and correct condom use among homosexual males aged 18-24 years.

Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 homosexual (including bisexual) males aged 18-24 years living in the Metropolitan city for minimum 1-year duration at the outreach sites of an NGO. Data pertaining to sociodemographic variables and consistent and correct condom use were obtained and analyzed in SPSS using the Chi-square test to find out the association between condom use and sociodemographic profile.

Results: Only 43.3% of participants were using condoms consistently and correctly. Consistent and correct use of condom was observed among participants who were younger (p =<0.001), more educated (p =<0.001), belonging to a higher socioeconomic class (p =<0.001) with a high per-capita income (p =<0.001), living in a nuclear family (P = 0.004), unmarried (P = 0.0071), and staying with the family (p =<0.001).

Conclusion: Sociodemographic determinants do have an impact and play a vital role in the consistent and correct use of condoms among homosexual males.