Perceived barriers to condom use among out-of-school adolescents in Kumba, southwest region of Cameroon

摘要

Cameroon has a high concentration of out-of-school youth. Therefore research relating to out-of-school adolescents and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is imperative. This study investigated the perceived barriers to condom use among out-of-school adolescents in Kumba, Cameroon. A crosssectional study of a probability sample of 405 adolescents aged 15-24 years was adopted. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, at the level 0.05.Most out-of-school adolescents in this study perceived certain barriers to condom use. Up to60.5% perceived that they lacked knowledge on correct condom usage; 58.8% perceived that they would feel embarrassed to buy condoms; 54.2%would feel embarrassed to use condoms; 50.9% would feel embarrassed to ask their partners to use condoms; 70.6% believed that condom usage decreases sexual sensations, making sex less enjoyable for either partner; 70.4% believed that condom use reduces sexual urges; 66.1% respondents believed that condom use could make partner feel un-trusted; 37.8% perceived that should a condom slip off during intercourse, it could land up in the stomach of the female partner; 46.6% perceived that they would be allergic to lubricants used in condoms, and 54.8% perceived that latex condoms cause itching. Being a Christian or a male was associated with increased perceived barriers to condom use, while being a Muslim was associated with increased perceived barriers to condom negotiation. Being a female was associated with increased barrier to condom access. Perceived barriers to condom use were associated with condom non-use. Out-of-school adolescents perceived certain barriers to condom use, and consequently were not using condoms and were therefore at risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.