Prevalence, awareness and challenges associated with condom use among enrolled nursing students at Kampala International University
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Date
2018-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University. School of Health Sciences Western Campus
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are highly prevalent in developing countries. They greatly increase the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission therefore, constituting a major public health problem. Over one billion people are affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide with a higher prevalence among the adolescents and the young adults. Most countries around the world have put in efforts to combat AIDS. One of the most common tools employed is the use of condoms. Correct condom-use in sexual relations has proven effective against STDs. Despite decades of condom-use awareness, gaps still remain in the way the public receives and makes use of the information. Condom use among the young adults in Uganda is declining and the government is unable to meet the demand that exists. These instabilities about condom use have tempted the researcher to investigate the prevalence, awareness and challenges of condom use among enrolled nursing students at KIU-WC. This study therefore, sought to determine prevalence, awareness and challenges associated with the practice of condom use among enrolled nursing students of Kampala International University. A prospective university-based cross-sectional descriptive study of enrolled Nursing students aged between 18-25 years at KIU-WC from November to December 2017. Information about demographic data, the practice of condom use, access to condoms and challenges associated with condom use was collected and analyzed using Epi-data analysis software.Results from the study revealed that 62.7% of students were aged between 18-21 years. There was a high level of awareness about condom use among enrolled nursing students (88.2%) and that they understood the importance of using condoms (89.1%). Despite the knowledge of condom use, majority of the students were reluctant to use the condoms. The proportion of students that embraced using condoms upon their first sexual encounter was below average (42.6%). The commonest challenges of condom-use were; negative HIV status of partners with limited fear for other STIs, association of condom-use with commercial sex and the high cost of condoms among others. Students at KIU-WC have adequate knowledge about condom-use. However, they are reluctant to use them appropriately. There are several challenges associated with condom-use. There is need for implementation of specified; focused; continuous health education on condom use practices and to increase the availability of free condoms to students.
Description
A research project report to be submitted to the faculty of medicine in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the award of the degree of bachelors of medicine and surgery at Kampala International University.
Keywords
Condom use, Enrolled nursing students, Kampala International University