Correlates of Condom Use among Adolescent School Boys in Nairobi, Kenya

Marcel Yotebieng, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carolyn Tucker Halpern, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ellen M.H. Mitchell, IPAS
Adaora A. Adimora, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Purpose. To examine the association between condom use and perceived susceptibility to HIV among adolescent males in Nairobi, Kenya. Method. A cross-sectional logistic regression analysis, based on data from 214 sexually experienced students who completed web-based questionnaires in the TeenWeb study, was conducted. Condom use at first and most recent sex, and consistent condom use were regressed on perceived susceptibility to HIV, and the perceived benefits and obstacles to condom use. Results. None of the perceptual factors examined was significantly associated with condom use. However, later sexual debut and higher SES were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of condom use at first sex. Having used a condom at first sex was significantly associated with more consistent use and use at most recent sex. Conclusion. Interventions targeted at conveying the benefits of condom use for HIV prevention and at delaying sexual debut are needed.