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.
