Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of High School Learners regarding Condom Use in the Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Condoms protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, among all population groups including adolescents. Correct use of condoms prevents between 80% and 95% of HIV transmission. Furthermore, the usefulness of condoms in preventing pregnancy or STIs rests on the user. Thus, the possibility of pregnancy or STI transmission is greater when condoms are not utilised appropriately and regularly with every sexual act. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of high school learners on the use of condoms in the Greater Giyani Municipality. A quantitative, descriptive research design was used. The researcher used a probability-stratified random sampling method to select respondents from schools that were selected to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions was used to collect data. The questionnaires were given to learners to complete. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used during data analysis. Data are presented in charts and frequency tables. Most of the respondents were aged 15-17 years (57.8%). There were more female than male respondents in the study and most respondents lived with both parents (14.9%). There were more respondents in Grade 12 (37.3%) than in other grades: 27.7% of the respondents were in Grade 10, while 35% were in Grade 11. Most of the respondents (88.7%) knew that condoms offer protection against HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy, but many held negative attitudes towards condoms (56.5%) because they thought that condoms reduced pleasure during sexual intercourse. The majority (77.3%) of the respondents had engaged in sex, and half of these (50%) sometimes used condoms when they engaged in sexual intercourse. Male respondents were found to have power over xiii their partners on the making of decisions regarding condom use. Peer pressure was found to be one of the most significant factors that influenced condom use. Parents and guardians of the respondents were discovered to have communicated about sexual issues with their children. High school learners should be encouraged to refrain from using substances such as alcohol, because when they are under the influence of these substances and engage in sexual intercourse they can be unwilling to use condoms .