Factors associated with non-use of condoms among heterosexually-active single people in Germany: Results from the first representative, population-based German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD)

TY - JOUR

T1 - Factors associated with non-use of condoms among heterosexually-active single people in Germany: Results from the first representative, population-based German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD)

AU - Cerwenka, Susanne

AU - Wiessner, Christian

AU - Mercer, Catherine H

AU - Matthiesen, Silja

AU - Pietras, Laura

AU - von Rüden, Ursula

AU - Dekker, Arne

AU - Briken, Peer

PY - 2022/7

Y1 - 2022/7

N2 - Background: Against the backdrop of rising STI incidence among the heterosexual population, sexually active single people are at particularly high STI transmission risk. Gaining insight into circumstances related to condoms non-use in this population is therefore important for developing effective health interventions. Methods: The nationally-representative survey, GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey) undertaken 2018-2019, interviewed 4,955 people aged 18-75 years. A total of 343 heterosexually-active single participants answered a question about condom use at last sex. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and circumstances of last sex were analysed to identify independently associated factors. Results: Condom non-use at last sex was reported more commonly by participants aged >35 years than by younger participants (48.5 vs 33.7%, respectively) and more likely among longer relationships (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.43) or early loving relationships (AOR: 3.59) than in one-night-stands. It was also associated with not discussing using condoms before sex (AOR: 6.50) and with reporting non-use of condoms at sexual debut (AOR: 4.75). Conclusions: Non-use of condoms is a common STI risk behaviour among heterosexually-active single people in Germany and so needs promoting from sexual debut throughout the life course, regardless of relationship type and age, but particularly among middle-aged and older people.

AB - Background: Against the backdrop of rising STI incidence among the heterosexual population, sexually active single people are at particularly high STI transmission risk. Gaining insight into circumstances related to condoms non-use in this population is therefore important for developing effective health interventions. Methods: The nationally-representative survey, GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey) undertaken 2018-2019, interviewed 4,955 people aged 18-75 years. A total of 343 heterosexually-active single participants answered a question about condom use at last sex. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and circumstances of last sex were analysed to identify independently associated factors. Results: Condom non-use at last sex was reported more commonly by participants aged >35 years than by younger participants (48.5 vs 33.7%, respectively) and more likely among longer relationships (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.43) or early loving relationships (AOR: 3.59) than in one-night-stands. It was also associated with not discussing using condoms before sex (AOR: 6.50) and with reporting non-use of condoms at sexual debut (AOR: 4.75). Conclusions: Non-use of condoms is a common STI risk behaviour among heterosexually-active single people in Germany and so needs promoting from sexual debut throughout the life course, regardless of relationship type and age, but particularly among middle-aged and older people.

U2 - 10.1177/09564624221100309

DO - 10.1177/09564624221100309

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 35611867

VL - 33

SP - 766

EP - 772

JO - INT J STD AIDS

JF - INT J STD AIDS

SN - 0956-4624

IS - 8

ER -