Understanding attitudes toward condom use and sexual behaviors of Nigerian undergraduate students in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: University students in foreign countries are likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors due to a sense of freedom from restrictions and parental influence. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess attitudes toward condom use and sexual behaviors of Nigerian undergraduate students studying in Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in five (5) colleges mainly populated by Nigerian students. The colleges were purposively selected because of their involvement in the recruitment of Nigerian students. A total population sampling technique was used to include all Nigerian students currently enrolled in each of the selected colleges. A total of 212 participants (124 males and 88 females) were included in the study. A pretested self-developed questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. Data collected were coded and analyzed using SPSS 17.0 to present results in tables of frequency count and percentage. Results: The majority of both males (55.6%) and females (50%) agreed that they can′t really give themselves up to their partners when using condoms. The majority (38.7%) of males did not agree that proper use of condoms could enhance sexual pleasure, while the majority of females (47.7) were undecided. In general, the majority of both male and female students were in favor of condom use. While 47.6% of the males reported their intention to engage in unprotected sex if their partners wanted it, the majority of the females (40.9%) were not sure about this. In addition, although 68.5% of the males reported that they may have had sex with someone who was at risk of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), the majority of the females denied this. Knowledge of present HIV status was higher among females. Conclusion: While attention is paid to the need to prevent and control HIV/AIDS among youths in Nigeria, this effort should be extended to the citizens who are studying abroad through international collaboration and linkage between the home and foreign host countries.

Keywords

• Condom use
• foreign country
• Nigerian students
• sexual behaviors