Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Condom Utilization among Axum Preparatory School Students

Abstract

Abraha G Silassie, Mussie W Giorgis, Negasi Kahsay, Yirgalem Fisaha, Znalem Zerihun, Kidane Tadesse, Hadgu Gerensea and Patricia Malloy

Background: Condoms are an integral part of sexual transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancy and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) acquiring immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and their use has increased significantly over the past decade. Correct use of them reduces the risk of HIV transmission by almost 100 percent. Therefore condom promotion has received considerable attention in the light against the AIDS pandemic (WHO 1995). This is particularly important in sub Saharan Africa, were HIV transmission is mainly through sexual contact.

Objective: To determine knowledge, attitude and practice of condom utilization in students of Axum preparatory school

Methodology: the study was conducted in Axum preparatory school from April to June 2015. Total of 358 samples was taken using systematic random sampling techniques. The data was collected using self-administered questions by using structured question. The data will be interred and analyzed using SPSS software.

Result: Majority of the participants 315 (90.8%) indicated that they heard and knew that about condom. The majority of the respondents 194 (55.5%) they indicated that there were no supply of male condom from their school, but 40 (11.5%) indicated that they have access. The study revealed that majority 196 (56.5%) students believed that condom use during sexual intercourse can decreases sexual pleasure (sensation), while 151 (43.5%) were disagreed. A summary of all the attitude variables revealed that 290 (83.6%) had positive attitude to majority of the questions measure the respondents attitude. The study revealed that 59 (17%) students were used male condom, and 50 (14.4%) respondents were not giving any response. Of these 17%, 31 (42.5%) students were use condom consistently, 29 (39.7%) use sometimes, 13 (17.8%) do not like to use.

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practices are an important tool for HIV/AIDS and STIs prevention and control. Despite the presence of adequate knowledge, positive attitude the preparatory school students had less condom use practice and the study highlighted some risky sexual practice, this might be related to low access, which needs to be addressed.