Determinants of condom use in Pakistan

In Pakistan, condom social marketing programs are an important component of efforts to reduce unplanned pregnancies. Nevertheless, relatively little is know about the determinants of condom use. This study analyzes data from a 2009 survey of Pakistani men (n=1606) to identify the factors that affect condom use, which the aim of informing the design of future social marketing campaigns.

Preliminary results show that men under age 40 are 2.4 times more likely than older men to report current condom use (p<.05). Condom use is also higher among men who want no more children (OR=2.8), who believe condoms are effective (OR=1.2), approve of family planning (OR=2.2), and who recently discussed family planning (OR=1.8). It is lower among men who believe condoms reduce sexual pleasure (OR=.93), and who are embarrassed purchasing condoms (OR=.96).

Consistent condom use was found to be positively associated with the desire to delay the next child (OR=2.7), approval of family planning (OR=3.1), and daily TV watching (OR=1.8). It is negatively associated with embarrassment to purchase condoms (OR=0.9).

The findings suggest that programs should promote the effectiveness of condoms for family planning, encourage men to discuss family planning, and aim to make it more socially acceptable to purchase condoms.