Research article

The Pattern of Use of Condoms among HIV /AIDS Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Care Facility in South West Nigeria

Mabayoje VO^1*, Akinleye CA² and Akindele RA³

¹Department of haematology, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

²Department of community medicine, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

³Department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: tunjimabs@gmail.com, Tel: +234-8033294874

Accepted 11 July 2014

Abstract

Introduction: HIV prevention is an essential and integral part of any HIV treatment programme. This could include the use of HAART as prevention itself, abstinence from sex, and the use of barrier methods including condoms. Objective: To evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of components of the HIV/AIDS treatment programme in our facility with emphasis on both male and female condoms. Materials and Methods: A previously verified questioner was administered to 255 of our clients by trained counsellors. The results were subjected to simple statistical analysis including bivariate analysis using statistical software SPSS V.20. Results: The number of clients using condoms consistently was found to be low (49%). Only 33.3% of females knew how to use the female condoms and even less preferred to use the female condom. Over 80% of females preferred the male condom. Conclusion: The use of condoms among our clients needs to be increased and more wide spread to further reduce prevention. The use of female condoms should be encouraged rather than leaving the determination of safe sex activity solely to the male and male condoms.

Keywords: Sex, HIV AIDS, Female, Condoms, Prevention