Condom Use among Youths in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review on the Myths, Misconceptions, and Challenges

Abstract

If properly used, condoms can serve as an effective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated effectiveness, there are different myths and misconceptions which have been observed as hindrances to both its use and effectiveness. This review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths and explores challenges in condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which different journal articles were reviewed. The search words/phrases were “condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA.” A total of 1074 studies were identified, 93 were relevant to the topic, and only 71 suited the review. The identified myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God’s will. Other identified myths and misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery, also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. The challenges identified were breakage of condom during sexual intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. The identified myths and misconceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. There is a need for collaboration between governments, researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths.