Condom Use Errors and Problems in a National Sample of Young Croatian Adults

Abstract

In this study, we examined the correlates of condom use errors and problems in a population-based study conducted in 2010 among young Croatian adults aged 18-25 years. Out of a total sample of 1,005 participants, 679 reported condom use in the preceding year. The analyses focused on four outcomes: condom breakage, condom slippage, condom-related erection loss, and delayed condom application. Eighteen percent of participants experienced breakage, 13% reported slippage, 17% reported erection loss, and 34% applied a condom after intercourse started. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the correlates of these condom use errors and problems. Condom breakage was less likely to be reported by women and older participants. The odds of breakage were increased for participants who reported being under the influence of drugs during sex and who reported other condom use errors and problems in the past year. Condom slippage was more likely to occur among younger participants and those who reported condom breakage and delayed condom application. Condom-related erection loss was positively associated with a higher number of sexual partners in the preceding year, condom breakage, and a higher score on the Anti-Erotic Obstacles to Condom Use Scale. Odds of delayed condom application were increased for participants who experienced condom breakage and for those who consumed alcohol before sex in the past year. Having used a condom at first sex significantly reduced the odds of applying a condom after intercourse started. In comparison to non-habitual condom users, habitual users were found less likely to report any of the assessed condom use errors and problems. Improving condom use skills remains an important task in Croatia, which is currently hampered by the absence of evidence-based sex education in schools.

Being drunk and high during sex is not associated with condom use behaviours: a study of high-risk young Black males

“…Our findings are at odds with the two previous studies that reported associations between CUEP and alcohol or drug use. 22,23 The negligible relationship between being drunk and high and UVS suggests that YBM are potentially influenced by a host of relational and context-based influences that are tied more closely to the act of using condoms. The lack of correlation suggests that nonuse or imperfect use of condoms is a consequence of factors that are not as simple as states of intoxication.…”

“…These studies occurred in Croatia and Armenia. 22,23 Accordingly, this current study determined the relationship between the frequency of being drunk and high during sex, and CUEP among a sample of high-risk YBM recruited from the Southern US.…”

Racial/ethnic differences in HIV-related knowledge among young men who have sex with men and their association with condom errors

“…In a recent meta-analysis of the existing literature from 1995-2011, the most common condom use errors included not using condoms throughout sexual intercourse, not leaving space at the tip of the condom, not squeezing air from the tip of the condom, putting the condom on inside out, and not using water-based lubricant. One or more of these condom errors have been reported in over 50% of respondents in several published studies on various populations including, college-aged men who have sex with women, men who have sex with men and young men who have sex with men in particular and could point to deficits in HIV-related knowledge (Bacak and Stulhofer, 2012; Crosby et al, 2007; Du Bois et al, 2011; Lindberg et al, 1997). One study specific to condom-related problems in 119 sexually active young men who have sex with men age 16-20 years in Chicago found that >95% of participants reported at least one condom error in the prior six months (Du Bois et al, 2011).…”

Changes in human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections-related sexual risk taking among young Croatian adults: findings from the 2005 and 2010 population-based surveys

“…According to our findings, inconsistent condom use remains the dominant pattern of condom use among young Croatian adults. Adding to concerns, reports of consistent condom use may include instances of failed or flawed condom use, which were shown to be rather frequent ( 31 ). As expected, we noted a higher proportion of condom use at first than at most recent sexual intercourse, which is likely a consequence of relationship consolidation.…”