Risk factors of inconsistent condom use among sexually active youths: Implications for human immunodeficiency virus and sexual risk behaviours in Malawi
Abstract
This study examines the risk associated with inconsistent use of condoms as a risk factor for human
immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs) and sexual risk behaviours. The Malawi
Demographic Health Survey 2010 data were used. Out of a sample of 2987 males and 9559 females aged 15–24
years, 511 males and 675 females were filtered in the present study. A Chi square test and logistic regression
techniques were performed. About 147(28.7%) males and 240(35.6%) females reported inconsistent condom
use. The likelihood of inconsistent condom use was higher among females with secondary/higher education
(odds ratio’s (OR)=1.46), with more than one partner (OR=4.27), and married males (OR=8.76), with
more than one sex partner (OR=1.78).There is a need to raise condom use awareness and improve sexual
education about consistent condom use, especially among females, in order to curb the spread of HIV/STIs
and reduce sexual risk behaviours.