Applying theory of planned behavior to predict condom use intention among Iranian substance users covered by addiction treatment centers

Abstract

Aim: Unprotected sex and injection drug use are considered as major risk factors associated with HIV infection in Iran. This theory-based study explains the predictability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on the intention to condom use among male substance users covered by addiction treatment centers. Method: This descriptive analytical study was performed on 163 male substance users who were admitted to addiction treatment centers in Hamadan, west of Iran. Subjects were recruited by a simple randomized sampling method. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire containing demographic variables and TPB constructs. Data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis using SPSS16 software. Results: According to the results, 55.2% of participants reported having sex with 2 or more partners while only 38.65% of them had used a condom in their last sexual intercourse. Perceived behavioral control (PBC) was the strongest predictor of intention to condom use (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PBC can be used as a predictor of condom use intention, as well as effectively be considered in planning and intervention to prevent unprotected sex and subsequently sexually transmitted diseases among male substance users.