Correlates of Use of Condoms Among Sexually Active Youth in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Abstract

Sexual behavior change is a complex issue influenced by complex variables, intrinsic and extrinsic. This study aimed to assess factors influencing actual use of a male condom among secondary school students in southern Tanzania. In all, 227 sexually experienced participants aged 14 to 18 completed a pretested questionnaire. Out of 227 sexually active participants, 120 (53%) reported consistent condom use and (62.5%) had multiple sexual partnerships. Of 120 who reported condom use, 42 (35%) had tested for HIV. Among males, age was positively correlated with actual condom use, while being a Catholic and having multiple concurrent sexual partners were negatively correlated with actual condom use. Among females, being a Protestant was positively related with actual condom use, while being a Catholic, reporting multiple sexual partnerships, and perceived barriers to condom were negatively correlated with actual condom use. In conclusion, sexually active youth in this population practice risky sexual behaviors, with a low proportion of condom use. Efforts are warranted to motivate sexually active youth to engage in HIV prevention, including condom use and HIV testing. (MPH) is a lecturer and research fellow, currently with KCMC-DUKE University AIDS Program, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.Victoria Mwakalo (Bsc Nursing) is a nurse officer, currently with Rungwe District Hospital, Mbeya, Tanzania.Declare Mushi (PhD) is a senior lecturer and research fellow, currently with Kilimanjaro Christian

The influence of perceived behaviour control, attitude and empowerment on reported condom use and intention to use condoms among adolescents in rural Tanzania

“…Sexual behaviour of adolescents is shaped by multiple factors [ 1 , 4 , 24 ] which either act at individual level such as knowledge and attitudes or those which result as a consequence of the surrounding environment (ecological factors) such as availability of condoms and policies that create favourable environment to use condoms [ 20 , 24 – 26 ]. In an attempt to understand sexual behaviour several theories and models have been applied in past research.…”

“…Most of the existing evidence is devoted to isolated theories or combination of theories that target a group of factors which act at the same level and therefore they may not be sufficient to understand the complexities of the sexual behaviours among adolescents. Studies in Tanzania and elsewhere in SSA, have focused much on socio-cognitive theories alone, such as the Health Belief Model [ 21 , 26 ] and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) [ 15 , 30 ]. In order to understand the complexities of sexual behaviour and thereby device comprehensive programs to improve safe sexual behaviour among adolescents, there is a need for integrated approach.…”

Sociodemographic and Other Characteristics Associated With Behavioural Risk Factors of HIV Infection Among Male Mountain-Climbing Porters in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

“…4 This finding is in contrast with findings from previous investigators on youth's sexual activity in Tanzania, who found that condom use was higher among older respondents. 4,16 Marital status was associated with unprotected sex, multiple concurrent sexual partnerships, and marijuana use. The likelihood of condom use was higher among unmarried participants than their married counterparts.…”

“…This finding is consistent with behavioural studies assessing motivating factors associated with condom use among youth, which found that respondents who perceived higher susceptibility to HIV infection through their risky behaviours were more likely to report condom use. 5,16 Transactional sex was associated with unprotected sex, having multiple concurrent partners, and marijuana use. Porters who reported to have paid and/or received money or a gift in exchange for sex were more likely to report unprotected sex and to smoke marijuana.…”

“…10 In Kilimanjaro region, public health officers have identified 2 high-risk populations for HIVfemale bar workers and male mountain-climbing porters. While several studies in this area have documented HIV risk behaviours among female bar workers 12,13 and among youth in different settings, 5,16 there is limited information pertaining to risk characteristics specifically of young male mountainclimbing porters, who may share many risk characteristics with other high-risk groups, such as long-distance truck drivers, 17,18 fishermen, [19][20][21] miners, 22,23 and migrant farm workers. 24 The estimated 17,000 porters of Mount Kilimanjaro are between the ages of 18 and 45 years, but are predominantly young men who are very mobile and face volatile income cycles.…”