Condom acquisition and preferences within a sample of sexually active men in the Southern USA: A snapshot in time

Background: Health departments, community-based organizations (CBOs), and AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in the US and abroad distribute innumerable quantities of free condoms to sexually active individuals; however, little is known about where individuals who use condoms actually acquire them.

Methods: This study was designed to identify factors associated with the use of free condoms during most recent anal intercourse among self-identifying gay and bisexual men who report condom usage. Data were collected using targeted intercept interviewing during North Carolina Pride Festival events in Fall 2006.

Results: Of the 606 participants who completed the assessment, 285 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 33 (±10.8) years. The sample was predominantly white (80%), 50% reported being single or not dating anyone special, and 38% reported the use of a free condom during most recent anal intercourse. In multivariable analysis, participants who reported using free condoms during most recent anal sex were more likely to report increased age (p=0.001); dating someone special or being partnered (p=0.01); and having multiple male sexual partners in the past 3 months (p<.001). These participants were less likely to report ever having had a sexually transmitted disease (p=0.01). Trojan brand condoms and clear condoms were preferred over other brands and colors.

Conclusions: Despite being in the third decade of the HIV epidemic, little is known about condom acquisition among, and condom preferences of, gay and bisexual men who use condoms. Although more research is needed, our findings illustrate the importance of free condom distribution.