Patterns and Correlates of Condom Use among Unmarried Male Youths in Nigeria: NDHS 2008

Abstract

The HIV/STDs constitute public health problem. Condom use during sexual intercourse has been proved to be a good means of protection against HIV/STDs. Unmarried male youths which constitute a high proportion of Nigerians will be at risk of HIV/STDs if they fail to use condom. Reducing HIV/STDs in Nigeria will be difficult if research on condom use among youths is neglected. This retrospective cross-sectional design study utilized 2008 NDHS dataset. It focused on unmarried male youths aged 15-24 (n=1575) who ever had sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral and anal). The dependent variables were ever used and current use of condom. Data was analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression (α=5.0%). Mean age of the respondent was 20.5±2.4, 62.0% ever used condom and 49.5% currently using condom. Among the sexually active; age, region, residence, education, wealth index, ever undergone HIV test and total life-time number of sexual partners were significantly associated with current use of condom. Living in the southern regions of Nigeria promotes the use of condom. The odds of ever use of condom was higher among male youths who were in the middle (OR=2.36; C.I=1.48-3.78), richer (OR=2.93; C.I=1.81-4.72) and richest (OR=3.52; C.I=2.07-6.00) wealth quintiles than the poorest. Ever undergone HIV test increased the likelihood of using condom. Condom use among unmarried male youths in Nigeria is low. Distribution of condom at no cost and undergoing HIV test will increase utilization of condom among unmarried male youths in Nigeria. (Afr J Reprod Health 2013; 17[3]: 149-159).

Keywords: Male condom, Unmarried male youths, Sexual intercourse