Sexual activity and condom use by in-school youths in Sagamu, Ogun State

Abstract

Sexually active young people are at high risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Consistent condom use is critically important for preventing both. This study examined sexual activity and pattern of condom use among in-school youths in Sagamu. Multi-staged sampling method was used to choose 300 students in Sagamu and data was collected from all of them. One hundred and forty four (144) males and 156 females (sex ratio 1: 1.08) were involved in the study. Awareness of HIV and condom was almost 100%. The commonest mode of HIV transmission known was sex (70%) and the commonly identified means of prevention were abstinence (51.3%), and condom use (38.3%). Almost 45% approved of condom use by youths but only 23.3% would recommend it to a friend. One-third approved of students being taught how to use condom in school while 15.7% felt it was okay to provide condom in school. Thirty nine percent (39%) had been sexually exposed. Among whom 47.9% reported history of multiple sexual partners in the past year. Almost 65% (64.9%) had used a condom before, 48.7% used a condom at their first sexual exposure but none of those who had their sexual initiation before the age of 14yrs used a condom during the act. Forty-nine percent reported condom use during their last sexual activity. Fifty-six percent (55.6%) of those that had sexual intercourse in the last three months had used a condom. Only 30% indicated that they could use condom correctly. One in five of the respondents were aware of emergency contraceptive pills but only 7.8% of those who were aware knew the correct maximum time of use. Despite their awareness of sexual means of transmitting HIV, many young people are still engaging in unprotected sexual activity. The present family life education programme in schools should be improved upon to equip young people with necessary knowledge and skill to protect their sexual and reproductive health.

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 48(4) 2005: 103-107