| Summary: | Condom use among females with older, male sexual partners is well documented in South Africa. To a far lesser extent, condom use among males with older same-sex partners is known. However, the sexual health of young males is of pivotal importance to social and economic development. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between age of older same-sex partner and the likelihood of condom use among young males in South Africa. In this study, data from Fourth South African National HIV, Behaviour and Health Survey 2012 are used. A sample of 46,790 (N) young (15–24 years old) males with older same-sex partners is analysed to determine the level and sociodemographic factors associated with inconsistent condom use. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model are used. About 55.51% of you th with older (1–5 years) partners use condoms inconsistently. Further, only 36.08% of young males residing in urban areas with older (>1 year) partners use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Also, young males whose partners are 6–10 years (odds ratio: 0.47) and 11 or more years (odds ratio: 0.58) are less likely to use condoms consistently. Finally, the type of relationship with most recent same-sex partner shows that respondents who are in casual relationships (odds ratio: 0.08) are least likely to use condoms. Young males with older, same-sex partners do not use condoms consistently and are therefore at risk of contracting HIV and other STIs. However, HIV-positive youth and those with casual sexual partners are more likely to use condoms, proving that some positive and protective sexual behaviours are being exercised. With these findings in mind, further investigation into why some protective behaviours are possible while others are not needed. In particular, the role of older-sexual partners needs to be investigated.
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