Introduction:

Condom is a method to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. However, the use of condom by the young Colombian population is low.

Objective:

To identify individual, cultural, and institutional barriers and limitations of condom use in university students.

Materials and methods:

A qualitative research was developed with 4 mixed focus groups of young people aged from 17 to 24 years. Coding was carried out with ATLAS.TI together with a thematic analysis.

Results:

At the individual level, it was observed: a low intention of condom use; trust in partner that reduces the fear of STDs; and pregnancy is the main reason why condom is replaced by a different contraceptive method. At the cultural level, gender relationships reinforce the view that women and men are responsible for the use of contraceptives and condoms, respectively. At the institutional level, health policies and services restrict the access to condoms. Mercantilism logic and risk approach limit free and massive distribution of condoms.

Conclusions:

The recognition of individual and social factors that limit the use of condoms facilitates the promotion of care for one self and for others as well as the coordination of strategies to promote adequate sexual and reproductive health services.

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