KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF CONDOM USAGE AMONG MALE STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to ascertain the knowledge and practice of condom usage among male students of the Faculty of Education at the University of Benin. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The research design is a descriptive type of survey design and the study population consisted of a total population of 2300. A sample size of 230 respondents was selected using the simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency, percentage tables as well as charts. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested questionnaire and the result revealed that 95.5% of the respondents are aware and believe that condom prevents pregnancy while 4.5% are not aware and do not believe so. Results also revealed that 57% of respondent dislikes condom, 22% say condom breaks easily thereby not protecting the user 100%. However, having knowledge about condom, there are some factors hindering the practice of condom-usage, this could lead to the further spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. This finding suggests that there is an urgent need to address the factors hindering the practice of condom-usage among sexually active undergraduates in tertiary institution with focus on the importance of engaging in safer sexual behaviour in other to curb the menace of abortion and the chances of acquiring STIs among sexually active undergraduates. Consequent upon the findings of this study, it was recommended that; government should create a medium whereby the members of the society are enlightened about the use of condom through seminars, drama, workshops, mass media, and lectures in their own native languages. Government should also make condom free and available in all health centers and communities. Family planning services providers should give increasing support to the use of condoms because any increasing pronouncement from them may discourage most of the men from using condoms.