Obstacles to condom use among young adults in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa: a descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract

Condoms are powerful public health tool for any country and are the only devices that can significantly reduce the incidences of transmission of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and prevent unintended pregnancy. This is important for South Africa in the attainment of zero new infections with HIV for people 20 years and younger in 2030. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe obstacles to condom use among young adults in the Vhembe district. Face to face unstructured individual interviews were conducted. Colaizzi’s steps of data analysis was followed. Intrinsic obstacles to condom use were attitude to HIV and AIDS; attitude to condom use; lack of knowledge; and trusting the partner whilst socio-economic obstacles included poverty; child headed family; peer pressure and alcohol use. Training of healthcare workers on the attitudes change and condom access promotion could assist in the improvement of condom use.