Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Condom Use Among Out of School Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 15- 24: a Case Study of Majengo Slums, Nairobi County

Abstract

Condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy and play a crucial role in slowing the spread of HIV infections. For condoms to be effective, they have to be consistently and continuously used. Despite the various promotion methods, condom use remains relatively low among adolescents especially girls. This study purposed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of condom use among out of school girls and young women aged 15-24 in Majengo Slum, Nairobi County. A descriptive survey was adopted and cluster sampling together with random sampling was used to obtain the required sample size for quantitative data (100respondents). Purposive sampling was used to determine respondents for qualitative data (20respondnets). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The findings of this study showed that majority of the adolescent girls and young women had correct and good knowledge of condoms. Most of them were able to correctly identify the steps used for correct use of condoms. In relation to attitudes towards the use of condoms, most of the respondents had a negative attitude as they believed that it reduces pleasure during sex. The level of condom use was low. A limited number of the respondents were consistently using condoms as most of them would use condoms on varying occasions. Some of the girls were engaging in risky sexual practices as they were involved in sex with partners of unknown status, having unprotected sex in exchange for money as well as under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This study therefore concludes that knowledge of condoms does not always result into use as the findings showed that majority of the girls despite having high knowledge of condoms; the level of use was low and irregular. This study recommends that to realize the consistent use and uptake of condom use, there is need for reinforcement of positive behavior among the adolescent girls and young women. Introduction of sex education amongst out of school girls should also be emphasized.