Correlates of Socio-Demographic Variables and Attitude to Condom Use in HIV/AIDS Prevention among Students in Some Selected Nigerian Universities

BACKGROUND: Unprotected heterosexual sexual act has been correlated with unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) especially HIV/AIDS, which still has a high endemicity in Africa. This study aimed to determine the association between socio-demographic variables (SDVs), sexual experience, and the use of condom. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 542 undergraduate students, randomly selected from three Nigerian universities. METHODOLOGY: Well-structured open-ended questionnaires were administered to respondents. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the association between SDVs and attitude to condom use and between the SDVs, sexual experience and the use of condom. Data were analyzed using Epi6 6.04 and SPSS 10.0 software packages. Pearson's Chi-square (χ(2)) and Fisher's exact tests were used as applicable. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Approximately 46% of the respondents were sexually active (consisting of about 71% of those 25–29 years old and 58% of the males [P < 0.001]). About 50.4% had a single sexual partner and 86.7% had “ever used” condom. The most common reasons given for use of condom were prevention of pregnancy (91.7%) and STDs (89.1%). All the SDV except religion significantly (P < 0.05) accounted for the disparity in sexual attitudes of the students. Those aged 25 years and above, males and Tiv tribe were more likely to indulge in sexual activities (P < 0.001). More females (98%) compared to males (83%) had ever used condom in their sexual experience (P = 0.010), while there was no significant association between any of the SDVs and use of condom in the last sexual exposure (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SDVs play a role in determining the attitude of students towards condom use and sexual experiences. Programs regarding sexual and reproductive health including safe sex education especially among young Nigerian students should be developed or strengthened.