Browsing by Author "McCarthy, Danelia Maude"
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- ItemFactors influencing condom utilisation amongst female students at a higher education institution in the Northern Cape province(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) McCarthy, Danelia Maude; Felix, Rehanna; Crowley, Talitha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: In South Africa, women's sexual and reproductive health are linked to several human rights, including the right to privacy and the right to health services, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Consistent condom use remains low among female students in South African higher education institutions. There could be several reasons for the low use of condoms. These reasons could include low risk perceptions, a lack of knowledge and a lack of condom access or services distributing the condoms. Factors influencing condom utilisation have not yet been explored in higher education institutions in the Northern Cape Province. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence condom utilisation among female students at a higher education institution in the Northern Cape Province. The personal and environmental factors that influence condom utilisation behaviours among female students at a higher education institution in the Northern Cape Province were investigated. Methods: A quantitative research approach was used, with an exploratory-descriptive design. Female students between the ages of 17 and 24 from one higher education institution in the Northern Cape Province were the study's target population. The researcher used convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 385 participants between 7 September and 10 October 2021. Data was analysed by a biostatistician using SPSS version v28. The study was guided by ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, as well as a consent waiver for participants between the ages of 17 and 24 years, which was approved by Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee. Results: Most study participants (n=340, 88.3%) agreed that having safe sex is critical for their future sexual and reproductive health and 64.9% (n=250) reported using condoms to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). With regard to condom use behaviour, 32.2 % (n=124) practised consistent condom utilisation, 45.3% (n=174) inconsistently/never used condoms, whilst 22.6% (n=87) indicated they were sexually abstinent. Study participants' attitudes and risk perceptions about SRH were not associated with consistent condom use behaviour. However, participants using condoms consistently were 1.08 times more likely to know how to use a condom properly (p=0.02). Condom use self-efficacy was associated with the consistent use of condoms. Those who used condoms consistently were 9.14 times more likely to negotiate for a condom with their partners and 8.05 times more likely to have confidence in putting one on for their partner/s. Environmental factors such as condom and SRH accessibility depicted that participants who used condoms consistently were 82.6% less likely to have ever used SRH services (p<0.01). Condoms were most frequently accessed from the campus clinic. The majority of participants (n=293, 76.1%) found it easy to access condoms, with male condoms being the most accessible. Participants who used condoms consistently were nearly three times more likely to be encouraged to use a condom by their peers (p<0.01). Conclusion: Female students at a higher education institution in the Northern Cape Province reported average levels of the use of condoms. SRH access, condom use, self-efficacy, knowledge of how to put a condom on for one's partner and positive peer influence were all associated with consistent use of condoms. This indicates that prevention efforts should concentrate on educating young females in order to strengthen condom use, self-efficacy and encouraging STI discussions with sexual partners.