Condom Use Among Sexually Active Kenyan Female Adolescents at Risk for HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

Abstract High rates of unintended pregnancy and HIV infection occur in sub-Saharan Africa yet few Kenyan studies have defined correlates of condom use in sexually active female adolescents. Female adolescents receiving reproductive health care and aged 15–19 were interviewed. The prevalence of ever-use of condom was 21.4% and 52 (7.3%) subjects were infected with HIV-1. Older age, higher levels of education, ever-use of hormonal contraceptives and higher numbers of sexual partners, nonconsensual sex and exchange of sex for favours, were independent correlates of condom use. Condom use should be promoted in this population. Further exploration is needed on the developmental and contextual factors predisposing female adolescents to increased risk of HIV.