An assessment of barriers to condom use among young people in Sunyani Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana
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Date
2005-11-07
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Abstract
HIV/AIDS has been spreading at an alarming rate since the beginning of the pandemic. It is estimated that at least half of the infected ones are between 15-24 years. This has called for a concerted effort to save this segment of the population for many reasons. Since the major mode of transmission is heterosexual contact its interventions are focused mainly on the prevention aspect. Condoms remain an integral part of HIV prevention programmes. The prevalence of condom use is low despite all efforts to improve its use.
HIV/AIDS is the most dramatic epidemic of the century that has claimed in two decades more than 3 million deaths. Sub Saharan Africa is heavily affected and accounts for nearly 70% of all cases. The prevalence of cases and deaths is still rising and the prevalence of consistent condom use remains low, especially in West Africa. This study identifies barriers to condom use based on the respondents experience with condom use in Sunyani Municipality.
The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from June to August 2005 in the Sunyani Municipality of the Brong-Ahafo Region. Two hundred and twenty (220) sexually active individuals aged between 15-24 years were interviewed using a structured interviewer questionnaire designed to elicit information on their sexual history and behaviour, condom use history and the extent to which certain behaviour and experiences impede or frustrate condom use in their sexual relationship.
Condom use during the last intercourse was reported by only 37.5% of males and 38.9% of females.
A little more than two-fifth (44%) and 38.2% of the respondents mentioned partner trust and non availability of condoms respectively as reasons for non-use during their last sexual encounter. Slightly more than half (51 .8%) of the respondents said it was always embarrassing to buy condoms.
This study identifies partner trust, non availability (not having condom at hand), not achieving the desired sexual satisfaction and embarrassment to purchase condoms as the principal or main barriers to condom use. Hence, prevention strategies based on perceived severity or adequate knowledge about HI V/AIDS may not be sufficient to induce condom use.
Reproductive health services to young people should emphasize personal vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) to encourage condom use among sexually active people.
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A Dissertation submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfilment of the award of the Degree of Master of Public Health in Population and Reproductive Health, 2005