title: Knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on effectiveness of condom use in prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health problem affecting every region of the world, the higher prevalence and mortality rate of STIs in developing countries of the world, like Nigeria, make them serious public health issues in this region.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on the role of condom (both male and female condoms) as a preventive measure against STIs during heterosexual and homosexual intercourse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was collected from participants selected from the northern and southern Nigeria using self-administered questionnaire specifically designed for this study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Knowledge of condom efficacy in STI prevention was satisfactory. However, knowledge and practice of the correct use of condom was poor. Only 47.1% of the 102 participants in this study reported correct condom use of wearing condoms before staring intercourse and removing condoms after ejaculation. As a strategy to include the experiences, knowledge and perception of men who have sex with men, this study asked the question on condom use during anal sex. Only 24.4% of the male participants indicated they have never had anal sex while for females, the percentage was more than half (53.5%). Condom use during anal sex was low with only 20.6% of participants reporting condom use during anal sex. Negative perceptions about condom use - such as that condom use promotes sexual promiscuity, and not using condoms with steady sexual partners - were significant in this study. Also, condom use errors were common in this study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a wide gap in knowledge of correct condom use in this population. There is need for interventions that address the issue of condom use during anal and same-sex sexual intercourse in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Health and Well-being, University of Sunderland.
authors.forename: Philip Emeka
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Anyanwu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Health and Well-being, University of Sunderland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fulton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: condom; knowledge; perception; sexually transmitted infections; young adults