Prevalence and factors associated with condom use for dual protection among young people (18-24 years) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a high public health concern. It is estimated that more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic. Much as the problems and risks of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are inextricably linked, for young people, wishing to avoid pregnancy often takes priority over concerns about infections. Dual-method use is known as the most reliable protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. When used correctly and consistently, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs in addition to preventing pregnancy. Aim: We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with condom use for dual protection among young people (18- 24 years) in Oyam district, Northern Uganda. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 345 young people who were living in Aber sub-county, Oyam district from 26- June-2023 to 10-July-2023. Interviewer- administered questionnaires were used to collect all the necessary information needed to achieve the objectives. Multi- stage random sampling was used to sample villages and households. The outcome of interest was condom use for dual protection which was classified as “yes” for self- reported use of condoms backed up with another contraceptive method at last sexual encounter and “no” for anything else. The prevalence of condom use for dual protection was determined using proportions and odds ratios were used to quantify the degree of association of each variable with condom use for dual protection. Results: The prevalence of condom use for dual protection was 12.2% (95% CI: 6.4-22.1). Dual protection awareness (aOR- 5.36, 95% CI:1.56-18.40) and having the ability to refuse sex without condoms (aOR-3.41, 95% CI:1.46-7.98) were significantly associated with condom use for dual protection. Conclusions: The prevalence of condom use for dual protection was low at 12.2%Strategies to increase uptake should be designed especially increasing awareness and empowering young people to make safe sex decisions.