Drivers of Condom use among undergraduate students in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Context: There is increasing involvement of young people in unprotected risky sexual practices. This results in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Condom use is poor among young people. This study assessed drivers of use of condom among undergraduates in South-South Nigeria.

Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 440 undergraduate students in Rivers State, Nigeria who were selected through multistage sampling. Respondents provided information on their socio-demography, perceptions on condom use, use and reasons for use. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS version 29. P value was set at P < 0.05 and results were presented on tables.

Results: Majority of the respondents were aged 20 – 29 years (n = 283; 64.1%), and single (n = 422, 95.9%). The prevalence of ever users of condom was 91.6%, current users were 30.2% and consistent users were 8.3%. Drivers of condom use were the belief that ‘condom is effective in preventing pregnancy/STI’ (aOR = 3.013, 95% CI = 1.107 - 8.198); knowing how to effectively use condom competence (aOR = 4.287; 95% CI = 1.578 – 11.644) and level of study (aOR = 0.371; 95% CI = 0.191 - 0.718).

Conclusion: Ever use condom rate was high while current use and consistent use was low. Knowledge of how to effectively use condom, perception of its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STIs and level of study were drivers of use. Training programs to encourage consistent condom use and to increase the self-efficacy of adolescents on condom use are recommended