The association between knowledge of condom use and its practice among young adults

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a world public health problem. The correct and consistent use of condoms has been shown to be the most effective method of protection against STIs; however, the literature shows low figures for condom use.

Objective: To identify the relationship between knowledge about condom use and condom use in young adults.

Material and methods: A descriptive correlational design was used; the sample consisted of 969 young Mexican adults.

Results: 73.4% were women. The mean age was 38.98 years (SD = 5.39). Of the participants, 33.1% had had ten or more sexual partners in their lifetime, and 31.3% had had two sexual partners in the last 12 months. Regarding knowledge of condom use, 33.4% of the participants considered that condoms could be used at any time during sexual intercourse. Regarding condom use, 8.2% of the participants had never used a condom. Of these, 29.3% never and 40.5% sometimes insist on using a condom when they have sexual intercourse. Positive relationship was found between knowledge of condom use and condom use (r_s =.172, p <.05).

Conclusions: The findings of the present study reflect the problem of non-use of condom and weakness of aspects concerning its correct use. Knowledge of condom use was related to condom use, indicating that the greater the knowledge, the greater the condom use in young adults.