The relationship between health perceptions and condom use behaviours among sexually active secondary school students in Arusha, Tanzania
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Date
2001
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The present study aimed at establishing the relationship between health perceptions and condom use behaviours among sexually active students. A cross-sectional survey that used a self-administered questionnaires was conducted among 3603 students (mean age 17.3+ 1.93) from 12 secondary schools in Arusha, Northern Tanzania. The sample included 51.6% (1859) of male and 47.9% (1726) of female students. Of these, 44.6% (1608) were sexually active at the time of the study (median age 15 years). These were subsequently analysed and reported in the present study. Of the sexually active students, 98.1% perceived AIDS as a severe disease although only small proportions perceived themselves having a small chance of being HIV infected (8.1%). Overall, 91.8% of the students perceived their general health status on a positive side. Only 25.1% reported that they had experienced HIV infected/dead person. Of sexually active students, 57% (917) reported that a condom could prevent one from HIV infection. The study furthermore revealed that condom use behaviour among sexually active students’ condom use behaviours was still low. Only 35.4% (570) reported to have ever used a condom and 32.8% (517) had used a condom at their most recent sexual encounters. However, more students 80.7% (1297) intended to use a condom at their next sexual encounter. Condom use was significantly associated with students’ age, sex, grade level and custodian. With respect to the Health Belief Model (HBM), perceived condom use benefit appeared to be the most important determinant of condom use behaviours. However, it was observed that, intervention in schools need to adress other variables such as perceived HIV risk, HIV susceptibility, and cue to action as suggested by HBM.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF RJ47.53.T34K34)
Keywords
Condom, Health, Secondary school students
Citation
Kakoko, D.C.V (2001) The relationship between health perceptions and condom use behaviours among sexually active secondary school students in Arusha, Tanzania, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.