The Role of Education and Demographic Factors in Condom Use among Male Drug Users in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.8
- Author:
Yong Kang Cheah
1
;
Anita Suleiman
2
;
Mazliza Ramly
2
;
Chee Cheong Kee
3
;
Kuang Kuay Lim
4
Author Information
1. School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia
2. HIV/STI/Hepatitis C Sector, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia
3. Sector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jln Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
4. Centre for Occupational Health Research, Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jln Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Condoms, Drug use, Education, Sexual behaviours, Demographic factors
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2024;20(No.1):52-59
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The rising prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs is a
major public health issue. This study intends to explore education and demographic correlates of use of condoms
among male drug users in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral
Surveillance Survey 2017. Pearson’s chi-square tests and a logistic regression were used to examine the associations
between condom use and education, and demographic factors. Results: Only a small proportion of drug users used
condoms (25.7%). Educational backgrounds, age, ethnicity and marital status were associated with condom use.
The likelihood of using condoms was lower among less educated drug users (aOR: 0.308–0.339). There was an interaction effect of education and age on condom use (aOR: 0.116–0.308). Chinese (aOR: 3.117) and those of other
ethnicities (aOR: 2.934) were more likely to use condoms when compared with Malays. Being married (aOR: 0.291)
or divorced/widowed (aOR: 0.346) was associated with reduced odds of using condoms. Conclusion: Education and
demographic factors play an important role in influencing the decisions of Malaysian drug users to use condoms.
Therefore, HIV-preventive measures targeting drug users could benefit by paying special attention to these factors.
- Full text:11.2024my1712.pdf
