Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
63
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Attitudes of university students towards
the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo1
Oscar Marino López-Mallama2
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza3
To reference this article / Cómo citar este artículo /
Para citar este artigo: Girón-Restreo, G. A., López-Mallama,
O. M., Almeida-Espinoza, A. (2025). Attitudes of university
students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia. Revista Criterios, 32(1), 63-76.
https://doi.org/10.31948/rc.v32i1.4235
Reception date: June 7, 2024
Review date: September 19, 2024
Approval date: November 1, 2024
Abstract
Objective: To determine the attitudes of university students in the Early
Childhood Education program of a university institution in the city of Cali
regarding the use of condoms in sexual practices. Methodology: Descriptive
cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach and non-experimental
design. The sample consisted of 102 students randomly selected by convenience
sampling; 98% of the participants were women between the ages of 17 and 51.
Results: Participants indicated that the condom provides the same sensation of
pleasure and, in addition, protects against sexually transmitted infections and
unwanted pregnancy, expressed by 35.3% (n=36) of respondents. Regarding
condom use with their steady partner, 37.3% (n=38) said they never used
condoms; however, when asked about condom use with casual partners, 67.6%
(n=69) said they always used condoms. Concerning condom use at first sexual
intercourse, 37.3% (n=38) reported not using condoms; among these, 21-year-
old women were more likely to report not using condoms with 15.8% (n=6).
Conclusions: Young women’s attitudes toward condom use may be influenced
1 Institución Universitaria Antonio José Camacho. E-mail: altergag1@gmail.com
2 Institución Universitaria Antonio José Camacho. E-mail: oscar.mallama@correounivalle.edu.co
3 Universidad del Valle. E-mail: alexander.almeida@correounivalle.edu.co
Article resulting from the research entitled: Perception of self-care vs. rejection of condom use by students of the Faculty of Distance
and Virtual Education of the Institución Universitaria Antonio José Camacho, carried out in the Health Management Research
Seedbed SIGES, of the Health Administration Program, belonging to the Health, Environment and Productivity (GISAP) Research
Group of the institution. The research was financed with resources from the institution and its own resources.
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
64
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
by several factors, including lack of adequate information, which may lead to
negative attitudes, and traditions and cultural norms, which may affect the
perception and acceptance of condom use. Life experiences, including personal
trauma, may also have a significant impact on their attitudes toward condom
use.
Keywords: public health; disease; transmission; health promotion; sexual
health; condoms
Actitudes de estudiantes universitarios frente
al uso del preservativo en prácticas sexuales
en Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
Resumen
Objetivo: identificar la actitud de estudiantes universitarios del programa
Pedagogía en Educación Infantil de una institución universitaria de la ciudad
de Cali frente al uso del preservativo o condón en las prácticas sexuales.
Metodología: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo
y diseño no experimental. La muestra estuvo conformada por 102 estudiantes,
seleccionados aleatoriamente mediante muestreo por conveniencia; el 98 %
de la muestra fueron mujeres con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y 51
años. Resultados: los participantes señalaron que el condón ofrece la misma
sensación de placer y, además, protege contra infecciones de transmisión sexual
y embarazos no deseados, expresado por el 35,3 % (n=36) de las encuestadas.
En relación con el uso del condón con su pareja estable, el 37,3 % (n=38) indicó
que nunca lo utiliza. Sin embargo, ante la pregunta sobre el uso del condón con
parejas ocasionales, el 67,6 % (n=69) respondió que siempre lo utiliza. En cuanto
al uso del condón en la primera relación sexual, el 37,3 % (n=38) manifestó no
haber usado preservativos; entre estos, las mujeres de 21 años refirieron con
mayor frecuencia no haberlo utilizado, con el 15,8 % (n=6). Conclusión: la
actitud de mujeres jóvenes frente al uso del condón puede estar influenciada
por varios factores, como falta de información adecuada, que puede generar
actitudes negativas, y tradiciones y normas culturales, que pueden afectar la
percepción y aceptación del uso del preservativo. Asimismo, las experiencias de
vida, incluidos traumas personales, pueden tener un impacto significativo en su
actitud hacia el uso del condón.
Palabras clave: salud pública; enfermedades; transmisión; promoción de la
salud; salud sexual; preservativos
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
65
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Atitudes de estudantes universitários em
relação ao uso do preservativo nas práticas
sexuais em Santiago de Cali, Colômbia
(2020)
Resumo
Objetivo: determinar as atitudes de estudantes universitários do programa de
Educação Infantil de uma instituição universitária da cidade de Cali em relação
ao uso do preservativo nas práticas sexuais. Metodologia: estudo transversal
descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa e delineamento não experimental.
A amostra foi composta por 102 estudantes selecionados aleatoriamente por
amostragem de conveniência; 98% dos participantes eram mulheres entre
17 e 51 anos. Resultados: os participantes indicaram que o preservativo
proporciona a mesma sensação de prazer e, além disso, protege contra infecções
sexualmente transmissíveis e gravidez indesejada, expressado por 35,3% (n=36)
dos entrevistados. Em relação ao uso do preservativo com o parceiro fixo, 37,3%
(n=38) disseram nunca usar preservativo; no entanto, quando questionados
sobre a sua utilização com parceiros casuais, 67,6% (n=69) disseram que sempre
usá-lo. Com respeito ao uso de preservativo na primeira relação sexual, 37,3%
(n=38) relataram não usá-lo; entre estas, as mulheres de 21 anos foram mais
propensas a relatar não usar preservativo com 15,8% (n=6). Conclusões: as
atitudes das mulheres jovens em relação ao uso do preservativo podem ser
influenciadas por vários fatores, incluindo a falta de informação adequada, o
que pode levar a atitudes negativas, e tradições e normas culturais, que podem
afetar a percepção e aceitação do uso do preservativo. Experiências de vida,
incluindo traumas pessoais, também podem ter um impacto significativo em
suas atitudes em relação ao uso do preservativo.
Palavras-chave: saúde pública; doença; transmissão; promoção da saúde;
saúde sexual; preservativos
Introduction
Studies have shown that condoms reduce the sexual transmission of diseases such as HIV,
gonorrhea, syphilis, and others, thereby limiting the spread of infection (Uribe et al., 2012). The
increase in sexually transmitted diseases worldwide has highlighted the need for condom use.
Scientific advances in the prevention of infections such as HIV are undeniable (Gómez et al., 2018);
among the most common are biomedical interventions that provide oral pre-exposure prophylaxis,
improvements in antiretroviral treatments, or the large-scale implementation of HIV screening
tests (López and Morales, 2021); however, the preventive measure of condom use remains the
cornerstone in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (Uribe et al., 2012).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), HIV remains one of the world’s most
serious public health problems, claiming 40.4 million lives, mostly in low- and middle-income
countries. Recent advances in access to antiretroviral treatment have enabled HIV-positive
people to live longer and in better health. According to WHO (2023), of all people living with HIV
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
66
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
today, 86% (73>-98%) know and are aware
of their status, 76% (65-89%) are receiving
antiretroviral treatment and 71% (60-83%)
have achieved viral suppression. In this sense,
the best barrier to prevent HIV transmission
remains the condom.
Coll et al. (1994, as cited in Del Castillo et
al., 2012) point out that attitudes are used
colloquially to express the feelings or thoughts
that a person has about things or people that
he or she likes or dislikes. These attitudes are
often reflected in the way one speaks, acts,
and behaves toward others. According to Ajzen
and Fishbein (1980, as cited in Del Castillo et
al., 2012), an attitude represents a favorable or
unfavorable feeling in the direction of an object,
person, or stimulus and reflects a person’s
position toward an object, action, or event.
Attitudes are learned and form part of the
individual’s relationship with the objects of
reality; they are dynamic and modifiable, since
they depend to a great extent on intrinsic and
extrinsic situations that allow individuals to
adjust their behavioral patterns; they can have
a direction or orientation toward objects, which
can be favorable (acceptance), unfavorable
(rejection), or neutral (indifference) (Del
Castillo et al., 2012).
Attitudes can be described by two basic
qualities: the direction and intensity of the
feeling. The first refers to the emotional
orientation toward an object or person; it is
positive when one feels attraction and negative
when one feels rejection. Intensity, on the
other hand, measures the strength of these
feelings and indicates the degree of response,
which can be positive, moderately positive,
or negative. Together, these two components
make up the affective component of attitude,
reflecting how individuals relate emotionally to
their environment (Del Castillo et al., 2012).
The concept of risky sexual behavior is
itself quite broad and has been defined and
operationalized in a variety of ways. Despite
this theoretical variability, Forcada et al.
(2013) identify certain factors associated with
the practice of sexual activity without barrier
methods, the most common of which is the
condom. These factors include alcohol or drug
use and promiscuity, which is characterized by
having multiple sexual partners. When these
behaviors are repeated and protective methods
are not used, it can be said that the individual
is involved in risky sexual activities.
For Rodríguez and Becerra (2022), risky sexual
behavior is defined as any behavior that
increases the likelihood of negative outcomes
associated with sexual activity. These behaviors
include unprotected sex or sex without
contraception, sex work or contact with sex
workers, sex under the influence of substances,
having multiple sexual partners, casual
sex, and relationships with people who have
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early
initiation of sexual relations, sexual infidelity,
drug and alcohol use during sexual activities,
and lack of use of protection and contraception
are also considered risky sexual practices.
These behaviors have negative consequences
for both the physical and emotional health of
the individuals involved.
Poulson et al. (2008) demonstrated the
existence of risky sexual behavior among
adolescents and young adults; they took as a
sample, students from a university in the United
States, which was not probabilistic. They used
a questionnaire as an instrument for collecting
information, with the purpose of knowing how
often they had sexual relations and used drugs
and/or alcohol under these conditions. The
questionnaire showed that about seven out
of ten respondents (73%) had regular sexual
activity, and half of this percentage did not
regularly use condoms.
In this context, it is important to understand
condom use from a female perspective. In
this regard, the study conducted by Clue App
and KI-CURT (2018) reports that one in five
women decides to use condoms during sexual
intercourse; three out of four mention that
the decision is made as a couple. Therefore,
women play an active and decisive role when it
comes to the decision to use condoms and the
positive attitudes that can be obtained.
It is important to note that women play a key
role in deciding whether to use the female
condom; their positive attitudes are directed
towards the advantages of using the method,
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
67
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
such as its high resistance to breakage, while
their negative attitudes point to problems
related to its placement and aesthetics
(Lameiras et al., 2008).
Risk behaviors and the direction of attitudes,
favorable or unfavorable, go hand in hand with
the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), which is
based on the idea that people make decisions
based on how they value the outcomes of their
behavior and what they hope to achieve by doing
it. The intention to perform or not to perform
a behavior is the result of a balance between
what the person believes he or she should do
(attitudes) and the perception of what others
believe the person should do (subjective norm)
(Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977).
Therefore, the objective of this research was
to identify the attitudes of university students
of the Early Childhood Education program
of a university institution in the city of Cali,
Colombia, regarding the use of condoms in
sexual practices.
Methodology
Descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-
experimental quantitative approach. To assess
the variable ‘Attitude towards condom use’,
the version of the Condom Use Attitude Scale
adapted for the Mexican population was used
(Fishbein et al., 2003; Robles & Díaz, 2011; Del
Castillo et al., 2012). The instrument includes
two attitude scales with six items each: with a
regular partner and with an occasional partner
(Eraso-Angulo et al., 2024; González & Pereira,
2023; Muñoz et al., 2024; Suárez et al., 2024).
Population and sample
Sampling was carried out by convenience
(Chavez et al., 2024), and the sample size was
estimated using the Epidat program version
4.1, which yielded a required sample size of
102 students (Mendoza et al., 2024).
The study was conducted in a university
institution in the city of Cali, with female
students enrolled in the Early Childhood
Education program in the 2020-2021 academic
period. Those who did not want to participate,
those who did not sign the informed consent,
those who could not provide objective data
due to their personal, professional or political
position, and those who considered themselves
heterosexual were excluded.
Data Collection Techniques and
Instruments
First, permission to use the instrument was
obtained from the directors of the institutions.
Once the sample was selected, the participants
were informed of the purpose of the study, that
the data would be used for academic purposes
only, and that their participation would be
anonymous and voluntary. All signed the
informed consent form.
Regarding the reliability of the instrument of
attitudes towards condom use with regular
partners, a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86 was found,
and for the instrument of attitudes towards
occasional partners, the coefficient was 0.87.
These results indicate good internal consistency
for both instruments. The response format was
Likert-type with the values 1 (Never), 2 (Almost
never), 3 (Half the time), 4 (Most of the time)
and 5 (In each and every one of my sexual
relations), and with a four-block structure, as
follows:
1) In the first block, six questions of general
information and socio-demographic
variables (age, socio-economic stratum,
among others) were adapted.
2) In the second block, six adapted
questions were asked about behavioral
attitudes, such as age of sexual initiation
and general information about sexuality
and condom use. The ability to say
no to sexual relations under different
circumstances was assessed.
3) The third block of the questionnaire
consisted of questions about knowledge
of condoms and recognition of sexually
transmitted infections. These questions
allowed an approach at the psychosocial
level, attitudes, risky sexual behavior,
prevention, and situational variables.
There were ten questions in total.
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
68
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
4) In the fourth block, the questions were general information about how to get a condom,
marriage, and fidelity, with eight questions in total.
The full questionnaire consisted of 30 questions. It should be noted that the tables presented
in this paper summarize the most interesting questions. The data obtained were tabulated,
organized, and stored using the Microsoft Excel program (Spindola et al., 2022), version 16.5,
and the EpiInfo 7 program. Content validity was analyzed using absolute frequency measures.
For criterion validity, descriptive statistics were used through measures of central tendency and
dispersion to explore the variation of the data, and inferential statistics through the independent
samples t-test to identify differences (Manjarres-Posada, et al., 2021), with a value of p <.04,
in the trend of the dimensions of intention and condom use between participants who reported
having a stable partner, versus those who had occasional partners.
Results
A total of 102 data were analyzed, with a mean age of 24 years and a standard deviation of 1.2;
the youngest participant was 17 years, the oldest was 51 years, and the median was 22 years.
The first quartile was 20 years and the third quartile, 27 years. 98% of participants were female.
Socioeconomic variable
Regarding sexual orientation, 92% (n=94) are heterosexual. About marital status, 56.9% (n=58) of
the sample remain single; 42.1% (n=43) are cohabiting or in a free union. Regarding employment
status, 46.1% (n=47) are unemployed, looking for work, and 70.6% (n=72) receive less than the
current minimum monthly wage (see Table 1).
Table 1
Socioeconomic variable
Variable Frequency Percentage
Sexual
orientation
Heterosexual 94 92
Bisexual 5 5
Homosexual 2 2
Asexual 1 1
Marital status
Single 58 56,9
Free union 43 42,1
Separate 1 1
Employment
status
Unemployed, looking for work 47 46,1
Employee, full-time job 17 16,6
Unemployed, not looking for work 13 12,8
Employee, with a part-time job 25 24,5
Monthly
income
Less than one minimum wage 72 70,6
A current monthly minimum wage 19 18,6
More than one minimum wage 11 10,8
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
69
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
58.8% (n=60) reported using a condom the first time they had sex. 85.3% (n=87) informed
having sex in the last 12 months, of which 70.6% (n=72) said having only one sexual partner.
When asked about condom use with their regular partner, 37.3% (n=38) said they never used
condoms, and when asked about condom use with casual partners, 67.6% (n=69) said they always
used condoms (see Table 2).
Table 2
Sexuality and condom use
Variable Frequency Percentage
Used a condom the rst time he/she had sex
Yes 60 58,8
No 38 37,3
Doesn’t know 43,9
Sexual activity in the past 12 months Yes 87 85,3
No 15 14,7
How many partners have you had in the past
year?
0 7 6,9
172 70,6
218 17,5
3 2 2
4 2 2
5 1 1
Used a condom with his/her last regular
partner
Always 25 24,5
Occasionally 39 38,2
Never 38 37,3
Used a condom with his/her last casual
partner
Always 69 67,6
Occasionally 18 17,6
Never 15 14,7
When asked about the purpose of condoms, 94.1% (n=96) said that they are used to prevent
sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. 73.5% (n=75) of the respondents said
that they do not lose sensitivity when using a condom and 92.2% (n=94) said that they do not
lose their erection when using a condom. 70.6% (n=72) recognized all the sexually transmitted
infections listed in the data collection instrument. 97% (n=99) agreed that not using a condom
is very risky and 71.1% (n=73) agreed that a person who does not dare to tell his partner to use
a condom during sexual relations is more likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection (see
Table 3).
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
70
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Table 3
Condom knowledge and STI awareness
Variable Frequency Percentage
What is a condom for?
Control sexually transmitted
infections 54,9
Preventing pregnancy 1 1
All of the above 96 94,1
Will you lose sensitivity if
you use a condom?
Yes 27 26,5
No 75 73,5
Will you lose an erection
if you use a condom?
Yes 87,8
No 94 92,2
Which of the following is
considered an STD?
HIV, AIDS 13 12,7
HPV, Papillomavirus 76,9
Genital herpes 65,9
Syphilis 43,9
All of the above 72 70,6
Is there any risk in using
a condom during sex?
A lot 99 97
Little 3 3
Who do you think
is more likely to get
sexually transmitted
infections?
A sex worker who always uses a
condom with her clients 43,9
A homosexual man who always uses
a condom during sexual relations 2 2
A person who does not dare to tell
his partner to use a condom during
sexual relations 73 71,6
Doesn’t know 23 22,5
When asked if they would use a condom even if their partner were using another birth control
method, 69.6% (n=71) said yes. According to respondents’ perceptions, 35.3% (n=36) expressed
that using a condom provides the same sensation of pleasure and protects against contracting
sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. When asked on what occasions they
used a condom, 50% (n=71) said they did not (see Table 4).
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
71
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Table 4
Condom awareness and means of obtaining them
Variable Frequency Percentage
You use a condom even
if your partner were
using another birth
control method
Yes 71 69,6
No 31 30,4
Condom awareness
during sexual activity
Protects against sexually
transmitted diseases and unwanted
pregnancy
35 34,3
It is the same sensation of pleasure 36 35,3
It is less advantageous because the
same pleasure is not felt 2 2
It is less advantageous because
it does not provide the same
pleasure, but it protects against
infections and unwanted
pregnancies
16 15,7
It is much less advantageous
because it produces dissatisfaction 43,9
It is the same sensation of pleasure 54,9
When do you use a
condom?
Vaginal sex 71 50
Anal sex 22 15,5
Uses it before ejaculation 12 8,4
Does not use it 30 21,1
Oral sex 7 5
How do you get a
condom?
Pharmacy 67 65,6
EPS Care Center 12 11,8
Private clinic 2 2
Supermarket or store 98,8
Hospitals, health centers
government 6 5
Other location 76,8
Do you have a budget
for condoms?
Yes 70 68,6
No 32 31,4
Regarding the perception of condoms and the means of obtaining them, 65.6% (n=67) said that
they obtain them in drugstores and 68.6% (n=70) have the budget to buy condoms. About possible
reasons for not using a condom, 51.1% (n=73) said that they have a stable partner and 60.8%
(n=62) said that if they were married they would use a condom (see Table 5).
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
72
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Table 5
Condom use
Variable Frequency Percentage
Possible reason you
don’t use condoms
Has a stable partner 73 51,1
Because he/she uses a dierent method 35 25
My partner doesn’t like to use it 11 7,8
My partner is a lesbian 21,5
Diculty in achieving it 21,5
It’s not comfortable in the relationship 96,4
Another reason 85,7
Would you use a
condom if you were
married?
Yes 62 60,8
No 40 39,2
Discussion
The results of this study show that 58.5% of respondents used a condom in their first sexual
relationship. This result should be analyzed with caution since there is still a lack of awareness
about the use of this protective barrier. According to the Ministry of Health of Mexico (2021), the
condom remains the most effective method to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
unplanned pregnancies; therefore, its constant use is promoted so that people can fully exercise
their sexual life from a perspective of rights and inclusion.
However, the results of this study are in synergy with the study conducted by Camacho and
Pabón (2014), in which 51.2% used a condom in their first sexual relationship. Nevertheless, there
is a need for health promotion campaigns to raise awareness among the population about the
importance of condom use.
Regarding the first sexual experience, in the study by Uribe et al. (2017), less than 50% of women
and men did not use a condom. This behavior may be a predisposing factor to inconsistent use in
future sexual practices.
In terms of age, women aged 21 were the most likely to report not using a condom during their
first sexual relationship, with a percentage of 15.8% (n=6). This result is similar to that found
in the study by Lameiras et al. (2008), who found that aspects such as age and greater sexual
activity were associated with lower frequency of condom use.
Another interesting point is that although the vast majority of women (35.3%, n=36) say that
condoms give them the same feeling of pleasure and also protect them against sexually transmitted
infections and unwanted pregnancy, the percentage of respondents who use condoms with their
steady partner is significantly lower (24.5%) (n=25).
Regarding the reasons for not using a condom, 51.1% said that they did not use a condom because
they had a stable partner. This result is similar to the percentages found by Lameiras et al. (2008),
where young people recognize the role of the condom, but the proportion of use is relatively low.
Concerning condom use with casual partners, 67.6% (n=69) reported that they always used
condoms. At this point, there is a significant difference in condom use in stable relationships
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
73
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
(p=0.002). These percentages are similar to
the results of the work of Uribe et al. (2012),
in the correlation of condom use with stable
partners and with casual partners. There is a
belief that condom use is only necessary with
casual partners, while it is not imperative in
stable relationships.
Considering the gender mandates and sexual
roles imposed by society, it can be said that
women have gained fundamental spaces that
allow them to make decisions regarding their
sexual and reproductive rights (Bonaccorsi &
Reybet, 2008). However, this is different from
what was stated by Uribe et al. (2017), who
showed that men, unlike women, tend to use
condoms more frequently; the reason for this
is that men are mostly given the responsibility
of carrying them.
Finally, the model of reasoned action of Ajzen
and Fishbein (1977) tries to predict healthy
behaviors, where these behaviors are defined
as the result of behavioral intention, that is,
the subject is the one who decides to perform
a certain behavior or attitude; it is derived
from the combination of affective, evaluative
and bipolar dimensions, which is reflected in
favorable or unfavorable feelings towards an
object or stimulus. However, when comparing
this model with the planned behavior model
used by Enríquez-Negrete et al. (2022), the
conclusion was the same in both cases: the
intention to use a condom is the best predictor.
Therefore, the subjective norm was more
important than attitudes, although the latter
variable was not configured as a predictor
among women in Argentina.
Conclusions
Considering the specificities of the student
population and the various social, economic,
and cultural factors involved, it can be
observed that about half of the university
population engages in risky behaviors related
to sexually transmitted infections due to the
non-systematic use of condoms. This finding
underscores the need for a more effective
approach to sexual education in the university
environment.
Condom use with stable partners is associated
with a significant reduction in infections
compared to casual partners. Therefore, it is
recommended that educational and awareness-
raising campaigns be implemented to promote
the use of condoms in all relationships among
the university population, emphasizing their
importance as a prevention tool.
The attitudes of young female students
towards condom use is a complex issue
involving factors such as education, culture,
and personal experience. Although there is a
generally positive attitude towards condom
use, more information and guidance are
needed, especially in the context of casual
sexual encounters. Female university students
have greater access to information and are
more familiar with the topic, which can be an
advantage in promoting safe sexual practices.
Research has shown that although young
women are more aware of the importance of
condom use, they face additional barriers when
negotiating condom use with their partners.
They may also feel uncomfortable buying or
carrying condoms, which limits their ability to
adequately protect themselves. It is, therefore,
critical that education and awareness-raising
strategies address these challenges.
Attitudes toward condom use among young
women can be influenced by several factors:
lack of information, which can lead to negative
attitudes, and cultural traditions and norms,
which can affect the perception and acceptance
of condom use. In addition, life experiences,
including personal trauma, can significantly
influence their attitudes toward condom
use. Addressing these factors is essential to
promoting positive change in the sexual health
of college women.
Limitations of the research include the limited
sample size, as the study focused on only one
academic program at the university institution;
and, the development of a descriptive analysis.
It is recommended that the study be conducted
on the entire student population to include all
active academic programs.
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
74
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Conict of interest
The authors of this article declare that they
have no conflicts of interest regarding the work
presented.
Ethical Responsibilities
This study was classified as risk-free research
according to Resolution 8430, 1993, since it did
not involve any intervention in the biological,
physiological, psychological, or social variables
of the participants. In addition, the following
fundamental ethical principles of the Declaration
of Helsinki were observed (Asociación Médica
Mundial, 2024).
References
Ajzen, I. & Fishbein, M. (1977). Relaciones
actitud-comportamiento: un análisis
teórico y una revisión de la investigación
empírica [Attitude-behavior relationships: A
theoretical analysis and a review of empirical
research]. Psychological Bulletin, 84(5),
888-918. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-
2909.84.5.888
Asociación Médica Mundial. (2024, octubre).
Declaración de Helsinki de la AMM - principios
éticos para las investigaciones médicas en
seres humanos [WMA Declaration of Helsinki
- Ethical principles for medical research
involving human subjects]. https://www.
wma.net/es/policies-post/declaracion-de-
helsinki-de-la-amm-principios-eticos-para-
las-investigaciones-medicas-en-seres-
humanos/
Bonaccorsi, N. & Reybet, C. (2008). Derechos
sexuales y reproductivos: un debate
público instalado por mujeres [Sexual and
reproductive rights: a women-initiated public
debate]. LiminaR, 6(2), 52-64. https://doi.
org/10.29043/liminar.v6i2.281
Camacho D. E. & Pabón, Y. (2014).
Percepciones que afectan negativamente el
uso del condón en universitarios de la costa
Caribe colombiana [Perceptions that have
a negative impact on condom use among
university students in the Caribbean coast
of Colombia]. Revista Hacia la Promoción de
la Salud, 19(1), 54-67.
Chavez, J. L., Acosta, M. F., Morales, R. M., Melo-
Delgado, L. J., Ojeda, S. L., & Suarez, A. F.
(2024). Conocimientos del personal de salud
del programa de Tuberculosis en el abordaje
de sintomáticos respiratorios y algoritmos
diagnósticos, Pasto, Nariño [Knowledge of
health personnel in the Tuberculosis program
in the approach to respiratory symptoms
and diagnostic algorithms, Pasto, Nariño].
Revista Criterios, 31(1), 116-131. https://
doi.org/10.31948/rc.v31i1.3575
Clue App & KI-CURT (Kinsey Institute).
(2018, April 5th). Uso del condón desde una
perspectiva femenina [Condom use from
a female perspective] (K. Delgado, Trad.).
https://helloclue.com/es/articulos/placer/
uso-del-condon-desde-una-perspectiva-
femenina
Del Castillo, A., Mayorga, L., Guzmán, R. M.,
Escorza, F., Gutiérrez, I. G., Hernández, M.,
& Juárez, E. (2012). Actitud hacia el uso del
condón y autoecacia en la prevención del
VIH/sida en estudiantes de Psicología de la
UAEH [Attitude towards condom use and
self-ecacy in HIV/AIDS prevention in UAEH
Psychology students]. Revista Cientíca
Electrónica de Psicología, (13), 28-55.
Enríquez-Negrete, D. J., Sánchez, R., Bárcena,
S. X., & Chávez, I. G. (2022). Teoría
del comportamiento planicado en la
predicción del uso del condón en mujeres
latinoamericanas [Theory of planned
behavior in predicting condom use among
Latin American women]. Interacciones,
8, e254. https://doi.org/10.24016/2022.
v8.254
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
75
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Eraso-Angulo, R. H., Botina, A. M., Coronel, L.
Y., & Arteaga, K. T. (2024). Sintomatología
sentida y riesgo disergonómico en
trabajadores de molinos de panela en
Sandoná, Nariño [Perceived symptoms and
dysergonomic risk in panela mill workers
in Sandoná, Nariño]. Revista Criterios,
31(1), 27-36. https://doi.org/10.31948/
rc.v31i1.3853
Fishbein, M., Hennessy, M., Yzer, M. &
Douglas, J. (2003). Can we explain some
people do and some people do no act
on their intentions? Psychology, Health
and Medicine, 8(1), 3-18. https://doi.
org/10.1080/1354850021000059223
Forcada, P., Pacheco, A. S., Pahua, E., Pérez, P.,
Todd, N. E. & Pulido, M. A. (2013). Conducta
sexual de riesgo en estudiantes universitarios:
factores de riesgo y protección [Risky sexual
behavior among college students: Risk and
protective factors]. Revista Intercontinental
de Psicología y Educación, 15(1), 23-46.
Gómez, A. A., Moreno, L. A., & Roa, J. A.
(2018). Enfoque de la diarrea en pacientes
infectados con VIH [Approach to diarrhea in
HIV-infected patients]. Revista Colombiana
de Gastroenterología, 33(2), 150-160.
https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.192
González, A. & Pereira, M. L. (2023). Encuesta:
ciberviolencia dirigida al docente a través
de una examinación de autenticidad por
dictamen de árbitros [Survey: cyber violence
against teachers through an authenticity
examination by referees]. RIDE, Revista
Iberoamericana para la investigación y el
desarrollo educativo, 13(26), e458. https://
doi.org/10.23913/ride.v13i26.1432
Lameiras, M., Faílde, J. M., Bimbela, J. L., &
Alfaro, N. (2008). Uso del preservativo
masculino en las relaciones con coito vaginal
de jóvenes españoles entre catorce y
veinticuatro años [Use of male condoms for
vaginal intercourse among young Spanish
aged fourteen to twenty-four]. Diversitas,
4(2), 401-415. https://doi.org/10.15332/
s1794-9998.2008.0002.13
López, S. A. & Morales, M. A. (2021).
Percepción de autoecacia vs. rechazo del
uso del condón en prácticas sexuales de los
estudiantes del programa de Licenciatura
en Pedagogía Infantil de la Institución
Universitaria Antonio José Camacho año
2020 [Perception of self-ecacy vs. rejection
of condom use in sexual practices of students
of the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood
Education program at the Institución
Universitaria Antonio José Camacho in 2020]
[Tesis de pregrado, Institución Universitaria
Antonio José Camacho]. Biblioteca digital
Uniajc. https://repositorio.uniajc.edu.co/
handle/uniajc/384
Manjarres-Posada, N. I., Benavides-Torres, R. A.,
Esparza-Dávila, S. P., Pérez-Cavazos, D. N., &
Barbosa-Martínez, R. C. (2021). Instrumento
de evaluación del uso de anticonceptivos:
Análisis de validez de contenido, criterio
y conabilidad [Contraceptive use
assessment instrument: Content, criterion
and reliability validity analysis]. Journal
Health NPEPS, 6(1), 138-154. https://doi.
org/10.30681/252610104992
Mendoza, L. A., Vásquez, D. V., López, O. M.,
Girón, G. A., & Almeida-Espinosa, A. (2024).
Efecto socioeconómico del aislamiento
social por COVID-19 en estudiantes de
Licenciatura en Educación Infantil 2022-1
de la Institución Universitaria Antonio José
Camacho [Socioeconomic eect of social
isolation due to COVID-19 on students of the
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education 2022-
1 of the Institución Universitaria Antonio
José Camacho]. Revista Sapientía, 16(31),
20-27. https://doi.org/10.54278/sapientia.
v16i31.163
Muñoz, J. A., Achicanoy, J. K., Garzón, L. F.,
Meneses, C. F., Ortiz, M. F., & Zambrano, Á.
D. (2024). Estrés laboral y sintomatología
musculoesquelética en auxiliares de
enfermería, administrativos y médicos de
una empresa social del Estado de Nariño,
Colombia [Work stress and musculoskeletal
symptoms in nursing, administrative and
medical assistants in a social enterprise
in the State of Nariño, Colombia]. Revista
Criterios, 31(1), 12-26. https://doi.
org/10.31948/rc.v31i1.3852
Attitudes of university students towards the use of condoms in sexual practices in
Santiago de Cali, Colombia (2020)
76
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo
Oscar Marino López-Mallama
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza
Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 63-76
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). (2023). VIH y sida [HIV and AIDS]. https://www.who.
int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
Poulson, R. L., Bradshaw, S. D., Hu, J. M., Peebles, L. L., & Hilton, D. B. (2008). Conductas
sexuales de riesgo entre estudiantes universitarios afroamericanos: la inuencia del alcohol, la
marihuana y la religiosidad [Sexual risk behaviors among African American college students:
the inuence of alcohol, marijuana, and religiosity]. North American Journal of Psychology,
10(3), 529.
Resolution 8430, 1993. (1993, October 4th). Ministerio de Salud. https://www.minsalud.gov.co/
sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/DE/DIJ/RESOLUCION-8430-DE-1993.pdf
Robles, S. & Díaz, R. (2011). Validación de la encuesta estudiantil sobre salud sexual (EESS)
[Validation of the student survey on sexual health (EESS)]. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de
México.
Rodríguez, L. F. & Becerra, A. (2022). Percepciones asociadas a conductas sexuales de riesgo
[Perceptions associated with risky sexual behavior]. Horizonte Sanitario, 21(2), 292-298.
https://doi.org/10.19136/hs.a21n2.4562
Secretaría de Salud de México. (2021). Buenas razones para que uses condón [Good reasons
to use a condom]. https://www.gob.mx/salud/articulos/buenas-razones-para-que-uses-
condon?idiom=es
Spindola, T., Fernandes., V., Figueiredo, G., Costa, P., Costa, E. R., & Galvão, B. (2022). Jóvenes
universitarios de género masculino y el uso del preservativo [Young male university students
and condom use]. Enfermería Global, 21(3), 185-220. https://doi.org/10.6018/eglobal.489491
Suárez, V., Chamorro, M. L., & Rosas, G. M. (2024). Humanización de los servicios de salud
mediados por telemedicina en la ciudad de Popayán [Humanization of health services mediated by
telemedicine in the city of Popayán]. Revista Criterios, 31(1), 53-67. https://doi.org/10.31948/
rc.v31i1.3444
Uribe, J. I., Amador, G., Zacarías, X., & Villarreal, L. (2012). Percepciones sobre el uso del condón y
la sexualidad entre jóvenes [Perceptions about condom use and sexuality among young people].
Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, Niñez y Juventud, 10(1), 481-494.
Uribe, J. I., Ria, M. E., Bonilla, N. J., Carrillo, S. M., Hern, Y., & Baham, M. J. (2017). Percepción
de autoecacia vs. rechazo del uso del condón en las prácticas sexuales de mujeres y hombres
jóvenes [Perceptions of self-ecacy vs. rejection of condom use in sexual practices among young
women and men]. Psicogente, 20(37), 25-35. https://doi.org/10.17081/psico.20.37.2416
Contribution
Gustavo Adolfo Girón-Restrepo: Principal Investigator. Statistical data processing, writing of
materials and methods, and obtaining the results.
Oscar Marino López-Mallama: Analysis and interpretation of results, writing of the introduction,
methods, discussion, and conclusions.
Alexander Almeida-Espinoza: Conceptualization, supervision, writing, review, and editing.
All authors participated in the preparation of the manuscript, read it, and approved it.
