Knowledge and practice of condom use as well as perceived barriers among street adolescents in Cameroon

Abstract

IntroductionStreet children in Cameroon are adolescents, vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV and/or AIDS. The level of knowledge and practice of condom use among this population is unknown.Objective of the studyTo assess the knowledge, practice and barriers to condom use in Cameroon.Materials and methodsThe study was an analytical cross-sectional survey conducted in 2015. Questionnaires were administered to street children in a quiet location. Recruitment was made using the snowball technique with the help of peers.ResultsMore than 90% of participants knew of condoms, but only about 6% reported to have used a condom during their last sexual encounter. Most of the participants did not know that condoms could prevent HIV; only a few (15.5%) knew about this.ConclusionStreet adolescents in Cameroon seem to know about condoms, but have insufficient information on the importance of their regular use. The main barriers for the low practice of condom use reported by this population were the following: condoms hinder sexual pleasure; are costly; and it is embarrassing to buy, use or propose to use a condom.

Sexual knowledge based on Islamic values and sexual risk behaviors of HIV/STIs among Thai Muslim army conscripts: A cross-sectional study

“…However, those who have sexual intercourse outside marriage, which goes against Islamic rules, should have a more social responsibility to protect themselves and others from contagious diseases (Singkun, 2021 ). In addition, these participants should be encouraged to increase their condom use (Cumber & Tsoka-Gwegweni, 2016 ), although this practice is controversial (Najimudeen, 2020 ; Speed & Cragun, 2021 ).…”

Intención de implementar un plan de acción para el uso del condón en adolescentes: Action plan for condom use implementation intentions in adolescents

“…Con base a los resultados del estudio se considera que es necesario fortalecer la planeación de la conducta anticipada para el uso del condón debido a que los adolescentes desconocen cuándo deben colocarse el condón y la manera correcta en que se debe de colocar. Esto concuerda con la evidencia reportada en la literatura (Cumber & Tsoka-Gwegweni, 2016;De Vet et al, 2011). Fue común que los participantes al explicar cómo se usa el condón mencionaran "como se debe" y que lo usarían "al tener sexo".…”