Determinants of Intention to Use Condoms Among Clients of Female Sex Workers in Haiti

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine factors influencing intention to use condoms among clients of female sex workers (FSWs) at commercial sex sites in St. Marc and Gonaives, Haiti. They used a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, behaviors and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs.

The mean age of participants (n=378) was 24 years. Among the men, 74 percent reported using a condom during their last sexual intercourse with an FSW, and 81.7 percent said they firmly intended to use a condom during their next visit to an FSW.

Predictors of intention to use condoms, as revealed by multivariate logistic models, were subjective norms (odds ratio [OR]=1.75; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.88), perceived behavioral control (OR=1.34; 95 percent CI: 1.09-1.63) and attitudes (OR=1.23; 95 percent CI: 1.04-1.44); norms were most important.

Those men who reported having used a condom during their last encounter with an FSW were more likely to report the intention to do so in the future (OR=3.17; 95 percent CI: 1.65-6.10), indicating an adopted behavior. Also, having had an STD was associated with intention to use, suggesting future behavior can be influenced by a negative experience.

"In conclusion," the authors wrote, "intention to use condoms among the clients of Haitian FSWs was well predicted by TPB constructs. Our findings provide evidence for designing interventions targeted at reducing risky sex behaviors in this population."