Abstract:
Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of acute illness, infertility, long-term disability and death with serious medical and psychological consequences of millions of men, women and infants. Correct and consistent use of male condom remains the most effective way to reduce STIs including HIV. The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of condom availability, condom accessibility, affordability and the identification of factors affecting condom use in the study population which may contribute to the uptake of condom as an important public health strategy for HIV and other STIs prevention in Lower Manya Municipality.
Methods
Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. A cross-sectional study design was used to determine the level of awareness on correct and consistent use of condom, condom availability, accessibility, affordability and to identify factors affecting condom use among men at Nuaso community.
Results
The respondents demonstrated a high level of Awareness (100%) of condom availability in both the focus group discussions (FDGs) and the questionnaire administration. About 65% of the participants use condom correctly and consistently whereas 35% said they never use condom. About 44.7% of the participants disagreed to the question that condoms are hard to come by, 6% strongly agree and 6.6% agreed. With condom affordability, 45.2% of the participants disagreed to the notion that condoms are too expensive, 34.3% strongly disagreed, 6.2% strongly agreed and 7.5% agreed. Variables such as wives think husbands have sex with other women when they use condom, had a P-value of 0.007, condom use at first sexual intercourse had a P-value of < 0.001, condom use at last sexual intercourse had a P-value of 0.002, condom use with recent partner had a P- value of 0.002, awareness of female condom had a P-value of 0.026, and condom breaks or slips during sexual intercourse had a P- value of <0.001, were identified as the factors that affect condom use in the study population because they are statistically significant. Qualitative results indicated a positive attitude towards the use of condoms. There were further indication that condom is available, accessible and affordable.
Conclusion
Majority of the participants used condom during heterosexual intercourse to protect themselves from STIs because of the knowledge of the presence of HIV/AIDS in the Municipality.
Recommendation
The Lower Manya Municipal Health directorate should intensify its education on the health benefits of condom use at their various Sub- municipal health directorates to ensure that a lot more people use condom.
