Who carries the condoms? : male and female perspectives on male initiation of condom use and risk behaviour

Abstract

This study investigates male and female perspectives towards condom use, which gender is held responsible for condom implementation and the level of concern about STDs and HIV/AIDS. 149 Participants anonymously completed a non-standardised questionnaire consisting of seventeen (17) multiple-choice closed-ended questions. Data analysis indicated that condoms are perceived as an acceptable form of contraception, yet females are more likely to attribute condom provision as the responsibility of males. In addition, the results showed that there is still a low concern about STDs and HIV/AIDS in comparison to unplanned pregnancy. Thus although both genders believe condoms and its use should be encouraged, different approaches need to be considered to tackle the issue, in correlation to the different needs for each gender and the information required to increase awareness and condom use.