Predictors of consistent condom use among male construction workers who have engaged in concurrent sex with regular sex partners, casual sex partners, and sex workers over a 3-month period

Abstract

This study investigates the predictors of consistent condom use among male construction workers in South Africa who reported concurrent sexual relationships with regular partners, casual partners, and sex workers over a 3-month period. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 450 male workers across 18 construction work sites in the Western Cape province. Of these, 245 (54%) indicated that they had engaged in sex with all three partner types during the 3-month study period. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was then used to assess consistent condom use as a function of demographic, experiential, behavioural and cognitive characteristics. Three statistically significant predictors of consistent condom use were identified: perceived control over condom use (β = 0.252, <i>p</i> < 0.001), positive attitude toward condom use (β = 0.154, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and fear of HIV infection (β = 0.121, <i>p</i> < 0.05). These findings highlight the high prevalence of sexual concurrency among study participants. It also suggests that amid declining condom use, interventions which focus on enhancing an individuals' condom application skills and efficacy, that foster positive attitudes toward condom use and that strategically incorporate fear-based messaging within a multilevel framework may potentially increase condom use among individuals in concurrent sexual relationships.