Determinants of Male Condom Usage: With a Brief Discussion on Possible Effects of New Population Policies in Iran on Condom Usage

In spite of the fact that Iran is one of the most successful countries in family planning program yet the rate of condom usage among those, who are sexually active is low. As a result, recognizing barriers to condom usage can improve planning for condom promotion.
The main goal of this study was to examine the rate of condom usage and to determine factors influencing condom usage among couples in Shiraz city of Iran. This study also investigates the possible effects of new population policies on the rate of condom usage.
The study was a quantitative survey. Data was collected by a questionnaire from 626 married females in Shiraz county (Shiraz city and rural areas), who were selected by the multi-cluster sampling method. Data analysis was done by the SPSS software (version 20).
Findings demonstrated that rate of condom usage in Shiraz County, particularly in rural areas, was low. However, considerable percentages of respondents were familiar with condoms yet many of them did not have enough information about it. Furthermore, results of logistic regression revealed that age, place of residence, knowledge about condoms, couple agreement on condom usage, spousal age difference, and influence of condom sexual pleasure were the main predictors of condom usage.
The rate of male condom usage in Shiraz county compared to other countries, even some Asian countries, is very low. Condom usage is a complex issue, which is affected by a set of demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. As a result, policy-makers should pay greater attention to these factors in order to improve the prevalence of condom usage. Finally, Iranian policy makers should be aware that new population policy through restriction of access to family planning services is not only ineffective, but can also create new problems.