Factors associated with condom use among construction workers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with condoms among employees of large works (SGOT). Studies show the negative effects of weak social network and being away from home in the sexual life of workers, also related the style of work in the construction of large works with alcohol abuse and risky sexual behaviors, including a negative association between self-esteem and condom use. We interviewed 288 TGOS housed in the vicinity of large buildings in different Brazilian regions that responded to a questionnaire conducted by individual researchers. Most of the sample had an elementary or middle education. The distribution among those who were in a current relationship and those who were not involved was nearly equal. Of the respondents, the majority declared itself exclusively heterosexual (92%). Most of the sample reported consistent condom use (64%), however, more than 65% of respondents had never received an HIV test. The group formed by young and married men had the most consistent use of condom. The index of self-esteem reached M = 19.06 (SD = 3.51). Participants who achieved an average level of self-esteem reported a more consistent use than those with low or high level.