FACTORS PREDICTING CONDOM USE BEHAVIOR AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine factors predicting condom use behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). The information–motivation-behavioral skills [IMB] model was applied as a conceptual framework. Samples were 179 MSM in Bangkok. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires (demographic data, knowledge of AIDS and condom use, accessibility to condoms, subjective norms regarding condom use, attitudes toward condom use, self-efficacy in condom use, and condom use behavior). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results showed that an average age of the sample was 29 years (SD = 5.94); and 51.4% used condoms during their first sexual intercourse. About 36% (36.2%) used condom every time of sexual intercourse in the past year; and 30.7% of sexual partner in the past year are lover. Moreover, education, knowledge of AIDS and condom use, accessibility to condoms, and subjective norms regarding condom use were positively and significantly related to condom use behavior p < .05). Results of stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that knowledge of AIDS and condom use, and accessibility to condoms together explained 6.3% (R2 = .063) of the variance in condom use behavior among MSM. Knowledge of AIDS and condom use (β= .16, p < .05), and accessibility to condoms (β= .18, p < .05) were statistically significant predictors of condom use behavior.

Findings of this study can be used to promote self-efficacy among MSM to use condoms every time of sexual inter-course, refuse sex without condoms, and organize activities to promote knowledge about AIDS and condom use and free condom distribution.