Perceived Barriers to Condom Use among Out-of-School Adolescents in Kumba, Southwest Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract:Cameroon has a high concentration of out-of-school youth. Therefore research relating to out-of-school adolescents and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is imperative. This study investigated the perceived barriers to condom use among out-of-school adolescents in Kumba, Cameroon. A crosssectional study of a probability sample of 405 adolescents aged 15-24 years was adopted. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, at the level 0.05.Most out-of-school adolescents in this study perceived certain barriers to condom use. Up to60.5% perceived that they lacked knowledge on correct condom usage; 58.8% perceived that they would feel embarrassed to buy condoms; 54.2%would feel embarrassed to use condoms; 50.9% would feel embarrassed to ask their partners to use condoms; 70.6% believed that condom usage decreases sexual sensations, making sex less enjoyable for either partner; 70.4% believed that condom use reduces sexual urges; 66.1% respondents believed that condom use could make partner feel un-trusted; 37.8% perceived that should a condom slip off during intercourse, it could land up in the stomach of the female partner; 46.6% perceived that they would be allergic to lubricants used in condoms, and 54.8% perceived that latex condoms cause itching. Being a Christian or a male was associated with increased perceived barriers to condom use, while being a Muslim was associated with increased perceived barriers to condom negotiation. Being a female was associated with increased barrier to condom access. Perceived barriers to condom use were associated with condom non-use. Out-of-school adolescents perceived certain barriers to condom use, and consequently were not using condoms and were therefore at risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.

Inconsistent Condom Use Among Male University Students in Northern Thailand

“…The experience of sexual pleasure is highly complex, subjective, and influenced by an interplay in a range of cognitive, emotional, and physical factors. 28,29 We support the view that condom promotion campaigns, in addition to emphasizing the health benefits of condom use, will do well by pointing out the pleasure-enhancing benefits of condom use, such as the ability of condom to prolong sexual intercourse, thus increasing sexual tension, which ultimately leads to sexual pleasure. 29,30 On the other hand, programmatic efforts should look into making condoms with thinner and/or better heat transducing material more available to young people, both in terms of cost and geographic access.…”