Condom use amongst oil workers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) amongst oil workers in the Niger Delta region even with the use of condom is worrisome. To ascertain the awareness of the mode of transmission of STDs and commitment to prevention amongst oil workers in the Niger Delta region, the level of use of condom was studied.
Method: A cross-sectional study using questionnaires administered to 180 oil workers over a period of three months (January to March 2006) was carried out.
Result: A total of 165 respondents questionnaires from 138 males and 27 females were analyzed. Of this number, 144 were married and 21 single. Sixty - five (39.4%) respondents used the condom occasionally. Respondents in the 35 44 years bracket used condom most [68 (41.2%)]. Extra marital relationship was the reason given by most of the respondents [43 (26.1%)] for using the condom. Most of the participants purchased their condoms from the chemist shops [106 (64.2%)]. Condom accident [82 (49.7%)] accounted for the high risk of infection. Rupture/bursting was responsible for most [70 (85.4%)].
Conclusion: There is increased awareness of condom use within the educated sexually active oil workers. About 70% of purchased condom is from Chemist shops. National agency for food and drug administration and control therefore should ensure that good quality condoms are dispensed in these outlets.


Keywords: Condom use, Sexually transmitted diseases, Oil workers, Niger Delta

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 41-45