Trends in condom use among Bangkok students, 2002-2006

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine trends in condom use among Bangkok adolescents from 2002 to 2006 according to gender, age, type of school and type of sexual activity. Data from five Behavior Surveillance Surveys (BSS) of adolescents in high schools and vocational colleges in Bangkok from 2002 to 2006 were analyzed. Confidence intervals for the chances of having sex, of not using condoms, and of having multiple partners were classified by gender, age, type of school attended and year of survey were plotted on graphs using odds plots. Logistic regression was used to model the risk factors for these outcomes. There were 9563 adolescents who responded to the five surveys, mostly aged from 16 to 18. Twenty-one percent of them had had sex in the preceding year, 9.5% of high school students and 32.4% of vocational college students. The rate increased from 2003 to 2005 but decreased in 2006. Among those who had had sex in the preceding year, 81% did not always use condoms, with this rate decreasing gradually from 86.8% in 2002 to 78.2% in 2006; 30% of this group had multiple partners. Gender is a risk factor for each outcome, with boys more likely to have had sex in the previous year and to have had multiple partners. Females who had sex were more likely to not always use condoms. Vocational college students were more likely to have had sex and to not always use condoms. Although the rate trend of not always using condoms decreased in the most recent year of the survey, the proportion of those not using condoms was still high, particularly among girls and vocational college students. Condom use rates were not optimal in this population; specific targeted interventions are needed for this young population. Intervention efforts are also needed to increase condom use.