Condom Use: Prevalence among Rural and Urban Sexually Active Adolescents in Osun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Today, millions of adolescents are faced with the possibility of being involved in risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex, low and inconsistent use of condom and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. This study determined the prevalence of condom use among rural and urban sexually active adolescents in Osun state. Method: The study was descriptive cross sectional in nature. A total of 800 students were recruited for the study from twelve secondary schools in the state using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested Assisted Self Completion Questionnaires. Ethical approvals were obtained from appropriate authorities. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were done. P value was 0.05. Results: The overall mean age of the respondents was 14.62 years ± 2.39. The mean age at first sex was 14.05 years ± 2.3 years ((13.89 ± 2.3 years for rural and 14.37 ± 2.3 years for urban). One fifth (20.1%) had been involved in sex. Close to half (49.7%) of the sexually experienced respondents had ever used condom; 60.5% were rural while 39.5% were urban respondents. Only 34% of them used condom the first time, half were rural respondents and the other half urban respondents (p = 0.003), the prevalence was higher during the last sex (45.1%). Discussion: Although the prevalence of condom use is low among these adolescents, it was found to be higher among rural respondents. One can also deduce from this study that older adolescents, those in public schools and those residing in rural areas are more likely to use condoms when compared with their counterparts. There is a need to raise awareness of condom use for adolescents who are sexually active especially in the urban areas.