An examination of students’ attitude towards the use of female condom: University of Venda as case study

Abstract

Female condom is the female-initiated barrier contraceptive with the aim of protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, unintended and unwanted pregnancy. However given the use of female condom is somewhat affected by a number of factors regardless of its importance. The purpose of the study was to determine and describe the attitudes of female students on the use of female condoms at the University of Venda in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Quantitative approach was used. Purposive sampling was used to sample 100 registered female students at the University of Venda. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data and results were analysed descriptively. The results revealed negative attitudes towards female condom use and reasons for non-usage of female condoms amongst female students which include not thinking of using it and partner verbalising not having HIV. Recommendations included strengthening health education and counselling on female condoms use as well as promoting the awareness regarding the importance of condom use.

Keywords: Attitudes, female students, female-initiated barrier  contraceptive, Sexually Transmitted Infections, female condoms.