Inconsistent Condom Use Among Non-Medical University Students in Iran

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors and the associated factors of inconsistent condom use among non-medical university students in Iran. We recruited an equal number of male and female students from five non-medical universities (n = 742) through a convenience sampling approach. Using a standard self-administered questionnaire, we asked students about their sexual behaviors and condom use practices. We defined inconsistent condom use as not using condom at least once during all sexual contacts in the previous year. Correlates of inconsistent condom use were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Premarital sex was reported by 28.8% of single students and was significantly more prevalent among male students (41.6% vs. 11.4%). Male students experienced their first sexual contacts at significantly younger ages compared to female students (mean age of 18.2 vs. 20.1 years). Most of sexually active single students reported inconsistent condom use in all of their past-year sexual contacts (80.4%) and no condom use in their last sex (67.5%); these high-risk behaviors were reported more by female than male students. Condom unavailability during sexual contacts was the main reason of not using condom (38.8%). In the multivariable analysis, male students who started their first sexual contact ≤ 18 years of age were 2.4 times more likely to not use condom consistently in their sexual contacts compared to other students. Given the high prevalence of high-risk sexual contacts among Iranian students, especially males, establishing a comprehensive age- and gender-specific educational program on sexual health issues is warranted.