The Role of Education and Demographic Factors in Condom Use among Male Drug Users in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: The rising prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs is a major public health issue. This study intends to explore education and demographic correlates of use of condoms among male drug users in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey 2017. Pearson’s chi-square tests and a logistic regression were used to examine the associations between condom use and education, and demographic factors. Results: Only a small proportion of drug users used condoms (25.7%). Educational backgrounds, age, ethnicity and marital status were associated with condom use. The likelihood of using condoms was lower among less educated drug users (aOR 0.308–0.339). There was an interaction effect of education and age on condom use (aOR 0.116–0.308). Chinese (aOR 3.117) and those of other ethnicities (aOR 2.934) were more likely to use condoms when compared with Malays. Being married (aOR 0.291) or divorced/widowed (aOR 0.346) was associated with reduced odds of using condoms. Conclusion: Education and demographic factors play an important role in influencing the decisions of Malaysian drug users to use condoms. Therefore, HIV-preventive measures targeting drug users could benefit by paying special attention to these factors.