Condom use and HIV/AIDS prevention in higher learning institutions problems, challenges and future prospects: the case of the university of Dar es Salaam students

AIDS is a dangerous disease, which threatens people's lives at their prime as students, teachers, parents and workers. Many people have died because the disease has no cure. Condom use has been promoted as one of preventive measures for combating the spread Of HIV/AIDS infection. This study examined patterns of condom use among students of higher learning institutions with a focus on problems and challenges basing on a case study of the University of Dar es Salaam. The study examined four issues, namely, awareness on safer sex practices and condom use as a strategy to prevent HIV/AIDS infection; problems including challenges encountered when using condoms; strategies used to cope up with problems as well as challenges; and suggestions on alternative methods to prevent students from contracting HIV/AIDS. A Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting respondents, which included 130 students from the University of Dar es Salaam main campus, fourteen HIV/AIDS activists and three NGOs. All respondents were interviewed using both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires. Information was supplemented with documentary review. The study revealed that a high proportion of respondents are aware of safer sex practices. However, condom use as a strategy to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission was low. Respondents indicated that they encounter problems and challenges when using condoms. As a result, they use condoms inconsistently. The study came up with suggestions on alternative methods that respondents could use to cope up with problems and challenges encountered when using condoms. indeed, although the suggested proposals appear not to be new, but, surprisingly, most of the respondents were unaware of them including their effectiveness.