Perception and attitudes about male and female condom use amongst university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students in South Africa: a qualitative enquiry of the 2014 Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS (HEAIDS) programme First things First campaign

Abstract

In South Africa, condom use continues to be promoted as one of the key barrier methods against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. However, high incidence of HIV infections and unintended pregnancies among young people in the country continues. This paper explores perceptions and attitudes of university, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students and First things First (FTF) coordinators regarding the availability and utility of both male and female condom use in public institutions of higher learning in South Africa. This study used secondary data from a qualitative enquiry of the 2014 Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) FTF campaign. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) TVET and university student and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted among TVET and university FTF coordinators, NGOs and government departments. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, sections of interviews which were in local languages were translated and then data analysed.