Who Really Uses Condoms?

Using data collected from an online internet-based assessment, we explored condom use rates and the characteristics of condom users among sexually active, unmarried heterosexual college students within a stratified random sample of 2,645 students from 10 universities in North Carolina. Of 1,417 students who fit the inclusion criteria, 39% were male and 61% were female. Half reported consistent condom use. Using correlated logistic regression, consistent condom use was associated with being male (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.47; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.16-1.86); underclassman academic classification (AOR = 0.87 per year increase, 95%CI = 0.78-0.96); being involved in performing arts (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.10-2.42); not smoking within the past 30 days (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.09-1.75); and not having a steady boy/girlfriend (AOR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.09-1.85). These findings underscore the importance of tailoring HIV prevention strategies and intervention activities to student characteristics.