ABSTRACT
Appropriate and consistent use of condom remains an effective approach to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) intervention. We analyzed the baseline data gathered for a situationally based HIV/AIDS intervention to assess the potential predictors of condom use among the Uniformed Services Personnel in Nigeria. Using condom purchase as a proxy for intention to use condom, we examined the distribution of the demographic and lifestyle characteristics, knowledge of HIV transmission mode, and knowledge of how to correctly use a condom. A univariable logistic regression was used to identify the potential predictors, followed by multivariable logistic regression modeling. The knowledge of how to correctly wear a condom was the most significant positive predictor of the intention to use a condom (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (APOR), 5.99 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26, 19.79). The other main positive predictors of intent to use a condom were the knowledge of the mode of HIV transmission via blood, APOR 2.43 (95% CI, 1.01, 5.82), saliva (5. 87, 95% CI, 3.15, 10.94), and pre-ejaculatory fluid (APOR, 3.58, 95% CI, 1.67, 7.48). Male gender was also a significant positive predictor of the intent to use a condom (APOR, 2.55, (95% CI, 1.10, 5.97)). The results further indicated alcohol use (APOR, 0.32, 95%CI, 0.16, 0.61), marijuana use (APOR, 0.24, 95% CI, 0.11, 0.56), and the frequency of oral sexual behavior (APOR, 0.006, 95%CI, 0.002, 0.019) as negative predictors of the intent to use a condom. Therefore, these findings suggest that for an HIV/AIDS intervention to be effective in this population, it must incorporate these predictor variables into its design and conduct.
