Knowledge and practice of condom use among black and white South Africans

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge and sexual practices with reference to correct use of condoms among 108 Black and 114 White adult South Africans chosen by systematic random sampling. Results indicated that about 25% of the sexually active sample (28,6% Blacks and 18,9% Whites) reported never having used condoms. About 55% of the sample reported never using condoms, 20% always, 12% regularly and 13% irregularly in the preceding three months. The overall knowledge mean score about correct usage was 7,7% (Whites 8,3 and Blacks 7,1) (range 0-10). The most common mistakes with the respect to condom use knowledge were ignorance before putting on a condom just before ejaculation (44%), when to take off a condom (41%), unrolling a condom before putting it on the penis (33%), and the use of oil-based lubricant with a condom (31%). Predictors for programmes consider cultural diversity.