Abstract

*Akpan U.B, **Ekott M.I and **Udo A.E

University students represent a sexually active segment of the Nigerian population. Their acceptance of male condom would help to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and utilization of male condom among the undergraduate students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria. In this descriptive survey, a multi stage sampling was used to select 500 students for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information about their sexual behaviour, perceived and actual knowledge as well as utilization. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for demographic variables while categorical data were explored using Chi square test. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Majority of the respondents (54.4%) were age 21-25 years. All respondents were knowledgeable about male condom. The main source of information was mass media (45.2%). The main reason for using male condom was for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases/HIV (65.03%). The rate of consistent condom use was 36.4% and 52.63% with steady and casual partners respectively. Age and marital status were positively associated with better knowledge of condom (P<0.001 & P = 0.039 respectively). Religious affiliation did not significantly influence knowledge of condom (P = 0.238). Although awareness of condom use has increased, there is a wide gap between its knowledge and practice.