Condom use among youths in sub-saharan Africa: a narrative review on the myths, misconceptions, and challenges
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Date
2024-08-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley Health & Social Care in the Community
Abstract
If properly used, condoms can serve as an efective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated efectiveness, there are diferent myths and misconceptions which have been observed as
hindrances to both its use and efectiveness. Tis review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths
and explores challenges in condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which diferent journal
articles were reviewed. Te search words/phrases were “condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and
misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA.” A total of 1074 studies were identifed, 93 were relevant to the topic, and
only 71 suited the review. Te identifed myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on
the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual
pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God’s will. Other identifed myths and
misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery,
also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. Te challenges identifed were breakage of condom during sexual
intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. Te identifed myths and mis-
conceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. Tere is a need for collaboration between governments,
researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Condom use, Sub-saharan Africa, Africa, Youth