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Predictors of Condom Use among College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Maria José de Oliveira Santos

    (Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Elisabete Maria Soares Ferreira

    (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal)

  • Manuela Conceição Ferreira

    (Health Sciences Research Unit: UICISA: E-EsenfC/ESSIPV, Health School of Viseu, Institute Polytechnic de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

Abstract

Consistent condom use is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Despite their effectiveness, condoms remain fairly well used among younger people. The conception of appropriate measures to change behaviors needs a deep understanding of the factors underlying poor adherence to condom use. This study aims to identify the predictors of condom use among college students. A cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 1946 university students, with an average age of 21 years (20.74 ± 2.32). Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as a conceptual and methodological framework to understand the relationship between the predictors of condom use. An explanatory theoretical model of condom use behavior was established using path analysis. Condom use among young people is infrequent, with only 39.4% of respondents reporting consistent use. Perceived benefits, positive feelings, and interpersonal influences emerged as variables with the most explicitly positive influence on the commitment to condom use, a trend confirmed for both sexes. Commitment was the strongest predictor of condom use behavior (β = 0.580; p < 0.001). Pender’s HPM is effective in explaining the relationships between the predictors of condom use.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria José de Oliveira Santos & Elisabete Maria Soares Ferreira & Manuela Conceição Ferreira, 2024. "Predictors of Condom Use among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:4:p:433-:d:1369361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eaton, L.A. & Huedo-Medina, T.B. & Kalichman, S.C. & Pellowski, J.A. & Sagherian, M.J. & Warren, M. & Popat, A.R. & Johnson, B.T., 2012. "Meta-analysis of single-session behavioral interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections: Implications for bundling prevention packages," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(11), pages 34-44.
    2. Luca Cegolon & Melania Bortolotto & Saverio Bellizzi & Andrea Cegolon & Luciano Bubbico & Giuseppe Pichierri & Giuseppe Mastrangelo & Carla Xodo, 2022. "A Survey on Knowledge, Prevention, and Occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Freshmen from Four Italian Universities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Carlos Franclim Silva & Inês Silva & Alexandra Rodrigues & Luísa Sá & Daniel Beirão & Paula Rocha & Paulo Santos, 2022. "Young People Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Contraception: A Portuguese Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, October.
    4. María Angustias Sánchez-Ojeda & Concepción Roldán & Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez & Elvira de Luna-Bertos, 2022. "Analysis of the Lifestyle of Spanish Undergraduate Nursing Students and Comparison with Students of Other Degrees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-12, May.
    5. William D. Evans & Alec Ulasevich & Megan Hatheway & Bidia Deperthes, 2020. "Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Global Condom Promotion Programs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, March.
    6. Antonella Zizza & Marcello Guido & Virginia Recchia & Pierfrancesco Grima & Federico Banchelli & Andrea Tinelli, 2021. "Knowledge, Information Needs and Risk Perception about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases after an Education Intervention on Italian High School and University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
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