Condom brands, perceptions of condom efficacy and HIV prevention among university students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

University students form an important constituency in interventions against HIV and AIDS. The majority of university students are between ages 18 and 30 years, which, according to recent surveys, is the age category at the highest risk of HIV infection. Even though there is currently no comprehensive statistical data on the HIV prevalence at South African institutions of higher learning, a number of studies have noted increasing AIDS-related deaths and sicknesses among students. This highlights the need for effective intervention against HIV infections within this community. Condom use remains the most effective intervention against HIV infection within sexually active populations. This paper examines perceptions of public-sector condoms and their impact on condom use among university students, based on the findings of research conducted at three universities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Study findings indicate that public-sector condoms are perceived as ineffective, smelly and even 'infectious' and are widely seen to be of lower status as compared to the commercial brands. These perceptions were found to influence condom use as some students preferred to engage in unprotected sex rather than use public-sector condoms. The paper highlights the need for communication programmes to demystify the misconceptions surrounding public-sector condoms and to provide reassurance of the quality of such condoms.

Negotiating femininities on campus: Sexuality, gender and risk in an HIV environment

“…Furthermore, as Hlengiwe suggests, sexuality is complexly intertwined with partying and the use of alcohol. As Mulwo et al (2009) notes, campuses create ‘physical proximity devoid of systematic supervision [for] a large number of young adults at their pinnacle years of sexual experimentation’ (p. 311). This finding is consistent with other studies undertaken by Masvawure (2010) in Zimbabwe and Shefer (2016) in South Africa where the enactment of sexual agency is complexly intertwined with and aggravated by alcohol and drugs.…”

A Moderated Mediation Model to Explain Consistent Condom Use Intention Among Young Adults in South Africa

“…According to Ali, Leifu, YasirRafiq, and Hassan (2015), brand satisfaction and perceived value are the direct result of product experience. Thus, the more positive condom users’ experiences are, the more likely they are to be satisfied as well as value and reuse the brand (Mulwo, Tomaselli, & Dalrymple, 2009). Jalil, Fikry, and Zainuddin (2016) reflected on the relationship between perceived brand value, brand satisfaction and repurchase intention in the context of store atmospherics, proposing that satisfaction is a potential mediator of the relationship between behavioral intention and perceived brand value.…”

Progress and challenges to male and female condom use in South Africa

“…49–50 In both these studies, the free “Choice” brand condoms were seen to be inferior in quality to the commercially available and socially marketed condoms. Concerns regarding comfort and breakage, 49 and unpleasant smell, 49–50 were cited as reasons for not wanting to use free government condoms.…”

“…49–50 In both these studies, the free “Choice” brand condoms were seen to be inferior in quality to the commercially available and socially marketed condoms. Concerns regarding comfort and breakage, 49 and unpleasant smell, 49–50 were cited as reasons for not wanting to use free government condoms. Despite high levels of awareness of the availability of “Choice” public sector condoms, a third of participants in the Second National Communication Survey indicated substantial scepticism that these condoms would prevent HIV infection.…”