Predictors of consistent condom use: a hierarchical analysis of adults from Kenya, Tanzania and Trinidad.

The two regions hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic are sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. It is estimated that more than 28 million persons within these regions are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is imperative that more effective models of protective behaviour change be developed and implemented. Data from 4293 adults from Kenya, Tanzania and Trinidad who agreed to participate in the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study were examined employing hierarchical regression modelling. Only 19% reported consistent condom use with most recent sex partner. Factors associated with consistent condom use were relation to most recent sex partner, gender, study site, perceived difficulty in requesting condom use and actually making requests for condom use. Interventions that are grounded in theory and consider the relationship between the various independent variables along with the dependent variable may be more effective in promoting HIV protective behaviour change, such as consistent condom use, than current prevention efforts.