Correlates of condom use in the young adult population in Ontario.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Data from the Ontario Health Survey were used to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle and sexual history characteristics associated with the use of condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in randomly selected adults between the ages of 16 and 44 years who had had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months before the survey (n = 2,699). RESULTS Forty-two percent reported not having used condoms for protection against STDs. Those most likely to use condoms were 16 to 24 years of age, males, students, non-binge-drinkers, urban residents, and those at higher risk for HIV/AIDS. Of those who used condoms, 68% did not use them consistently. Individuals most likely to always use condoms were 16 to 24 years of age, males, students, non-binge-drinkers, and those with secondary school education. Age, gender, occupational activity, and non-binge-drinking were common correlates of both condom use and consistent use. CONCLUSIONS Public health messages should be focused on people with multiple sex partners who are not using condoms for STD protection, including rural residents, those with high levels of education, and those over 34 years of age.