Predictors of non-use of condoms among drug users in China: implications for HIV harm reduction

In China, the majority of drug users do not use condoms when they engage in premarital and extramarital sex behaviors. The first step to promote safer sex is to identify factors associated with the non-use of condoms. Using a sample of 450 heroin users from a detoxification center in China, this short report documents and examines predictors of non-use of condoms. The results show that non-use of a condom is associated with unmarried males of low income. In addition, attitude factors are important; those who have heard of 'safer sex' and believe in the importance of condom use are more likely to use a condom in premarital and extramarital sex. The findings suggest the importance of educational campaigns to promote the awareness of condom use and its utility.