Factors Associated with Condom Use among Students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract

Condoms offer protection against unwanted pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Interventions to promote condom use are essential in efforts to slow the spread of HIV. This study sought to find out factors associated with condom use among undergraduate university students at JKUAT, given that majority of the students fall within the vulnerable I5-24 year’s age bracket. The study focused on condom use and students (socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of selected specific issues of HIV, selected access factors, attitudes, and practices). A cross sectional study design was adopted. Simple random sampling was used to obtain the required sample size for both quantitative data (461 respondents) and qualitative data (64 respondents). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (for quantitative) and MS word (qualitative).The findings of this study revealed among 461, 66.2% (305) had experienced sexual intercourse. The overall level of condom use was high 72.8% (222). There was a significant relationship between condom use and general attitude (P=0.010), privacy of access (P=0.038), brand (P=0.033) and sexual behavior practices (P=0.027). However, there was no significant relationship between condom use and socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge (p>0.05). Majority of students are involved in risky sexual behavior practices. Condom use is hampered by several issues main ones being access to privacy and brand. Continuous awareness campaigns should be enhanced aiming at changing the negative attitude and poor practices.Many students in the US do not use condoms consistently, especially those who drink heavily or have multiple sexual partners (Certain et al., 2009). In Ghana, students do not use condoms consistently and are not likely to use condoms when the relationship is considered stable because of trust (Tagoe and Aggor, 2009). Various studies from different parts of Nigeria have demonstrated increased level of risky sexual behaviors among students (Okonofua, 1995, Feyisetan and Pebley, 1989, Orubuloye et al., 1991). Some study findings in Kenya indicate high percentage of sexually active students and a low percentage of condom use among the sexually active students (Mutungi, 2006). Reports of people washing andreusing condoms in Kenya have been observed (NACC, 2009). This study therefore aims at determining the factors associated with condom use among undergraduate students at JKUAT.