CONDOM USAGE AMONG PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS; A STUDY AT PRAMPRAM POLYCLINIC

Abstract

Historically, condoms have been at the center of the response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Condoms have had a transformative impact on the trajectory of HIV epidemics worldwide, and today they are a well-known and widely used method to prevent HIV transmission. (UNAIDS 2016). The purpose of the study is to assess knowledge, attitude and perception of Persons Living with HIV(PLHIV) on condom usage at Prampram Polyclinic. The study was conducted at Prampram from April to July 2019. Total of 200 participated in the study using simple random sampling techniques. The data was collected using structured questionnaire. The data was interred and analyzed using SPSS software version 22. All the participants 200 (100%) indicated that they have heard and knew that about condom. Majority of the participants indicated that condoms can be purchased in a pharmacy or drugstore and a health facility. The study revealed that majority 152 (76%) of participants confirmed that they did not use condom during their last sexual encounter however some participants confirmed that they used condoms during their last sexual encounter. The study revealed that majority (57.5%) of participants replied that sexual intercourse is better without a condom, 83 (41.5%) replied that using a condom during sexual intercourse had no sexual pleasure and 2 (1%) replied that using a condom during sexual intercourse feels same as without using a condom. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception on condom use among Persons Living with HIV at Prampram Polyclinic. Despite the presence of adequate knowledge and positive attitude toward condom use practice, the study highlighted some risky sexual practices; this might be related to low awareness towards condom use practice; which needs to be addressed