Promoting consistent condom use among young adults in the Vhembe district, Limpopo, South Africa
Muswede, Namadzavho; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Condoms are considered useful in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually
transmitted infections including the human immunodeficiency virus. However, condom use
is a challenge among young adults in rural areas. This paper reports the views of young
adults regarding the strategies which can be utilised for promoting condom use in one of
the rural clinics in the Vhembe district, Limpopo, South Africa. This quantitative, crosssectional,
descriptive study was conducted at one of the clinics in the Vhembe district.
Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults
who came to visiting the clinic. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Results indicate that condom use among the youth can be
promoted through (i) improving the attitudes of healthcare providers to condom issuing and
use, (ii) involving other stakeholders who have an influence on the use of condoms, and
(iii) promoting condom use. Retraining of healthcare providers to improve their attitudes to
condom distribution is a matter of priority. In-service training should focus on disseminating
information about patients’ rights to health. The following recommendations were put forth:
enhancement of communication strategies for marketing condom use, broadening sex
education in the school curriculum, and improving the attitudes of healthcare providers to
the promotion of condom use.
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