PROMOTING CONSISTENT CONDOM USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN THE VHEMBE DISTRICT, LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA

Condoms are considered useful in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections including the human immunodeficiency virus. However, condom use is a challenge among young adults in rural areas. This paper reports the views of young adults regarding the strategies which can be utilised for promoting condom use in one of the rural clinics in the Vhembe district, Limpopo, South Africa. This quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at one of the clinics in the Vhembe district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults who came to visiting the clinic. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Results indicate that condom use among the youth can be promoted through (i) improving the attitudes of healthcare providers to condom issuing and use, (ii) involving other stakeholders who have an influence on the use of condoms, and (iii) promoting condom use. Retraining of healthcare providers to improve their attitudes to condom distribution is a matter of priority. In-service training should focus on disseminating information about patients' rights to health. The following recommendations were put forth: enhancement of communication strategies for marketing condom use, broadening sex education in the school curriculum, and improving the attitudes of healthcare providers to the promotion of condom use.