A study of condom use as part of the sexual culture of tertiary students in South Africa.
Date
2016
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Abstract
In South Africa, the province of KwaZulu-Natal remains the most affected province.
Additionally, South Africa faces a challenge of unintended pregnancies among young people.
The issue remains a public health concern and suggests that young people are engaging in
unprotected sexual intercourse. Condoms, if used correctly, are argued to be the most effective
preventative strategy from both STIs such as HIV and pregnancy.
The main aim of the study was to find out the rate of condom use among college students and the
motivating factors behind the rates and to uncover barriers of condom consistency.
This study employs both the quantitative and qualitative research techniques. A sample was
drawn using convenience sampling for quantitative data collection. Data was collected using
self-administered questionnaires with 202 students and semi-structured interviews with 6
students.
Almost 66% of the participants in this study reported having used a condom during their last
sexual encounter. The dual protection the condom offers, the students’ hunger for a bright future
as well as fear of responsibility came up as motivating factors of condom use. No significant
relationship between race, age and marital status against condom use was observed. A significant
relationship was detected between gender and condom use. Condom use consistency remains a
problem among students.
Condoms still remain the most effective preventive method to prevent both pregnancy and HIV
infection. The increase in the level of condom use among students gives hope. More attention
needs to be paid to methods and strategies aimed at increasing the levels of condom use
consistency.
Description
Master of Science in Population Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2016.
Keywords
Theses - Population Studies.