subject: Male perspective(s) on condom use: context of STI/HIV prevention in the university of Ghana community [print this page] Male perspective(s) on condom use: context of STI/HIV prevention in the university of Ghana community
Though most men have heard of HIV and AIDS, young unmarried men are more reluctant to suggest the use of condoms. For these men, the reluctance has to do with the idea of "trust partner, not available and don't like condoms". Thus, there is the tendency for men to view condoms primarily as contraception rather than a means of infection control (see Marston & King, 2006; Troth & Perterson, 2000). Consequently, many young men still see contraception as a female responsibility and are more embarrassed by their use. With the emergence of HIV and AIDS, men have had to take a more active role in STD and HIV and AIDS prevention, suggesting that condom use should be a higher priority for men. However, the condom is still viewed in a number of negative ways.
Attitude towards condom use is influenced by several reasons including psychological (e.g. pregnancy prevention), emotional (e.g. no body contact) and cultural (e.g. trust partner). While an impulse (like the desire for sex) may come from the individual, it is usually related to the existence of a problem in the environment (e.g. lack or refusal to use condom). For instance, the desire for sex may come from an inner state of a man or may be caused (stimulated) by the availability of condom, or, most likely, it may arise from a combination of the two. A man who desires for sex may therefore find ways and means of satisfying this impulse in a situation where condom is immediately available or not. Findings from this study concurs with Mead that though the ability to think is embedded in the mind, the mind however hails from the socialization of consciousness (e.g. awareness of consequences of STI / STD).
This study maintains that while much health-related behaviour is under individual control, including the use of condoms, use is an overt behaviour that involves both parties (male and female) at different stages of the act (of sex). Therefore, changing the attitudes of one person is not sufficient for STI/HIV prevention. So, we had rather renewed emphasis on Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) strategies emphasizing condom use through intensified and continuous STIs/ HIV and AIDS education targeted at men with emphasis on consistency irrespective of whether it is a casual encounter or with a regular partner is much welcome.
