Condom use perception by secondary school youth in Gucha Sub county, Kenya

Two decades of experience and research provide new insights into the role of condoms for AIDS prevention in the developing world. Condoms are about 90 percent effective for preventing HIV transmission, and their use has grown rapidly in many countries. Condoms have produced substantial benefit in countries like Kenya, where both transmission and the burden of disease are concentrated among the general population. Yet, the factors that influence condom use in a setting with widespread heterosexual transmission remain un-established. Condoms offer dual protection against unwanted pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infections, and are one of the most effective means of preventing the transmission of HIV. Sexually transmitted infections have been shown to facilitate HIV infection, and therefore interventions to promote condom use are essential in efforts to slow the spread of HIV. To protect young people against infection, it is of significance to understand adolescent sexual behavior and the factors that influence their use of condoms. It is against this background that this study sought to find out the perception on condom use in secondary schools in Gucha given that secondary schools comprise students who fall within the vulnerable 15-19 year's age bracket. More so, the perception is that secondary students are knowledgeable in matters regarding HIVIAIDS consequently they are likely to take necessary measures to protect themselves against the risk of infection. The study explored the determinants of condom' use among secondary school students. It focused on establishing the relationship between perceived threat of AIDS and condom acceptability and use, finding out the attitudes and perceptions regarding condom use. The study was influenced by Fsher's Information-Motivation Behavioral skills(IMB) theory. To achieve the stated objectives a descriptive cross sectional survey combining quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted. The Study population was the entire students' population in' secondary schools (6027) in Gucha district. The sample population size was 375 students. The number of respondents giving similar responses was converted to percentages to illustrate relative levels of opinion. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16. The findings were presented in tables and graphs. The study found out that the youth knows condom as an important gadget in preventing HIV/AIDS. Despite this fact, some of the youth don't use condoms due to the perception that they reduce pleasure, religious beliefs, social and cultural factors and that condom use encourages promiscuity. This perception exposes the youth to dangers of contracting HIV/AIDS, other STls and the danger of pregnancies. There is a need for local communities to be engaged in HIVIAIDS prevention strategies to ensure the strategies are locally acceptable and ethically sound. This is because socio-cultural factors have a great influence in the use of condoms as a preventive measure. Continuous communication aimed at improving youths understanding of essential preventive measures should be prioritized while ensuring continuous engagement with communities in which the youths live. This could help clear attitude towards condoms related concerns.