KNOWLEDGE AND FEELINGS OF SOME PEOPLE ABOUT CONDOM USE IN RELATION TO HIV/AIDS IN ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

HIV infections and acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported to be pandemic in a number of countries in Africa (1). Among others, the sexually active and economically productive members of the society are reported to be the most affected.
To stop further spread of HIV infection, the use of condoms has been suggested as an alternative particularly in multi-partner sexual relationships (2). Previous studies made by Jonathan Mann and others indicate significant difference and low seropositivity among Zairian prostitutes reporting condom use (3). Ngugi and others have also reported the success of preventing the spread of HIV through condom promotion and health education programmes among Kenyan prostitutes (4). This was further supported by the works of Roumelutou and others among cohorts of prostitutes in Greece (5). In addition, Goldberg and others recently recommended the use of condoms not only in homosexual and heterosexual practices but also in heterosexual orogenital sex (6).