Condom use among adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

High rates of adolescent fertility and HIV/AIDS prevalence reflect the significant levels of unprotected adolescent sexual activity in South Africa. Although knowledge and positive attitudes towards condoms are widespread, this has not translated into consistent use of the contraceptive method. This is a worrying situation since condoms are widely being promoted as the best means of dual protection. This dissertation sought to analyse the hypothesis that certain personal characteristics, knowledge and attitudes affect actual condom use. Information and results were based on data from two waves of the Transitions Study, conducted between 2000 and 2001 . Much of the analysis contained in this work was carried out by way of frequencies and cross-tabulations. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine how various factors affected actual condom use. The results of the analysis suggested that age is highly significant in affecting behaviour and this relationship becomes more pronounced with the increase in age. Older respondents, particularly females, were less likely to have used condoms at their last sexual encounter with their most recent sexual partner. Attitudes also proved to be highly significant in determining the probability of condom use.