PERCEPTION OF CONDOM USE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: ITS PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN RIVERS STATE NIGERIA

Objective: The use of condom, a cost-effective strategy for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV among adolescents is low. The adolescent’s perception on condom is key in their decision to use it. This study looked at the perception of adolescents and young people on condom use in Rivers State Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 440 undergraduate students in Rivers State Nigeria selected through multistage sampling. Respondents provided information on their socio-demography, perceptions on condom use, use and reasons for non-use. Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS version 29 and results presented on frequency tables and figure. Result: Respondents who have positive perception on condom use were 365 (83%). All respondents agree that condom is effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and STIs and 426 (96.8%) that having the right knowledge is required to use condom. Perception however differed among male (n = 186; 51.0%) and female (n = 179; 49.0%) and with increasing level of study; 74 (20.3%) among level 100 students and 101 (27.7%) among level 400 students. Partners’ distrust and preferences were the commonest reason for non-use among non-users. Conclusion: Positive perception of condoms among undergraduate students in Rivers State in high. The commonest reasons for not using condoms have public health implications on attainment of sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescent. Strengthening of youth-friendly healthcare services, school health services and public awareness programmes facilitated by managers of reproductive health programmes is recommended to correct wrong perceptions on condom.