Abstract:
Proper and consistent condom use has been proved to decreases the risk of sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) transmission and unintended pregnancy to almost 100%. However Condom use
remain low among youths and Statistics show that the number of abortions is high It is estimated
that Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya recorded 2.4 million abortion cases in 2016. In Kenya,
Kirinyaga University has embarked on health education and supply of condoms to its students as
an intervention to reduce STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Despite this intervention the students
continually contracted STIs and unwanted pregnancies leading to abortions and high use of
emergency contraceptives pills according to the institution’s clinic medical report, 2015/2016.
The current study objectives were to find out the level of knowledge on proper condom use, to
establish the consistence of proper condom use and to the attitude towards condom use among
the students of Kirinyaga University. The theoretical frame work for the study was protection
motivation theory by Rogers (1983). The study included only undergraduate students in session.
The target population was 2565 and sample size was 132. Simple random sampling was used to
select the respondents that participated in the study. The study adopted descriptive crosssectional
design. Data collection was done through questionnaires. The instrument validity and
reliability was through, a pilot study where the researcher used Kirinyaga University diploma
students. Information was analyzed using both descriptive statistics with help of SPSS 21.0.
Quantitative data was analyzed using means, percentages and chi-square test. The findings show
respondents had adequate knowledge on condom use but failed to use condoms consistently due
to several reasons, most important one being unplanned sex. Additionally students held a
negative attitude towards condom use especially when the risk of pregnancy is eliminated and
are in stable relationship ‘trusted partner’. Lastly there was a positive correlation between actual
condom use, knowledge and attitude. The results will be shared with Kirinyaga University,
NACOSTI, NACC and NASCOP through County office.
