Title: Condom Use Errors and Associated Factors among Sexually Active Male Students in Dilla University, South Ethiopia
Authors: Reta Kassa Abebe, Prabhanjan Kumar Vata, Jarso Tadesse, Bilutkenaw Tamiru
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v3i11.41
Background:Condoms are the cornerstone of Human Immune deficiency Virus prevention efforts and are widely promoted as the most effective method of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effectiveness of condoms depends on how consistently and correctly they are used as incorrect use of condoms may compromise the effectiveness of condoms and lead to exposure to HIV or STIs. However, only few studies have looked at how often condoms are used correctly. Objectives: To assess condom use error and associated factors among sexually active male students in Dilla University. Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among 316 sexually active male students in Dilla University. Structured self administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. The analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Descriptive analysis such as frequencies and proportions were done. Logistic regressions were also performed to identify independent predictors for condom use error. First bivariate analysis was done to select candidate variable for multivariable analysis at p ≤0.25 then the candidate variable were analyzed in multivariable analysis. P-Value ≤ 0.05 was considered as a demarcation point for determining the level of significance. Result:Of the 316 participants, 244(77.8%) of the total condom users didn’t use condom consistently, 198 (62.7%) reported they wanted to use condoms but did not have access to it; 164 (51.9%) put condoms on after starting sex; 100 (31.6%) took off condoms before sex was over; 107(33.9%) reported losing erections in association with condom use; 151(47.8%) reported breakage during sex, being not comfortable with the size of the condoms and lack of access to condom by the time they need is significantly associated with condom use error. Conclusion and recommendation:Being uncomfortable with the smell of the condom and with the size of the condom, having limited knowledge about application of creams on to a condom in relation to condom breakage or lubricant issues in general and lack of access to condom by the time needed were strongly associated factors for condom use error. Increasing the focus on correcting potential user failures may be an important public health strategy andpromotion programs should emphasize that condoms must be used both consistently (on every occasion of intercourse) and correctly. Keywords: condom use, sexually active male students, errors and associated factors
Abstract
