Assessment of Students Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the Use of Condoms in HIV/AIDS Prevention at the University of Dar Es Salaam Tanzania.

Ndenzako, Justus (2023) Assessment of Students Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the Use of Condoms in HIV/AIDS Prevention at the University of Dar Es Salaam Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a serious worldwide health problem. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at the University of Dar es Salaam regarding the use of condoms for preventing HIV/AIDS. A cross sectional survey that employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was conducted from randomly selected university students who were engaged through questionnaire and focus group discussion methods as data collection tools. Even though, most of students correctly identified routes of HIV transmission, some misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS still exist. Most of them comfortably talked about HIV or sex and sexuality with their friends or partners, but uncomfortably talked about the same issues with their parents. Also, they were aware of various sexual risks. However, the percentage of students who said it was difficult to ask their partners to use a condom was still relatively high. Based on the results, most students do not check for the leaks/holes and expiry dates on a condom before use, and they use condoms to prevent pregnancy than HIV/AIDS. Overall, the study recommends for emphasis on advocacy and awareness raising campaigns on sexual reproductive health education that engage youth and students. It further recommends for HIV/AIDS education in schools’ curriculums to be reinforced to correct the existing misconceptions and encourage safe practices and positive attitudes towards use of condoms for prevention of HIV/AIDS. The study concludes that there should be more public health programs to increases awareness concerning gender equality to accommodate the intractable cultural attitudes in this age group. Conclusively, the study examined university students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding condom use for HIV/AIDS prevention. Findings showed that while students had good knowledge about HIV transmission, they struggled with discussing it with parents but felt comfortable talking to peers. Attitudes revealed reluctance to ask partners to use condoms due to trust concerns, and both genders did not prioritize carrying condoms regularly. Condom usage practices were generally poor, with students neglecting to check for leaks or expiration dates and focusing more on pregnancy prevention. However, positive behaviors included correct condom unrolling, penis retraction after ejaculation, avoidance of oil-based lubricants, and non-reuse of condoms. Key Words: Knowledge, Attitude, HIV/AIDS preventions practices

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