Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unsafe sexual behavior among adolescents still represents a public health challenge. To have safe sex, effective condom utilization is needed. Condom use remains relatively low among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Even though adolescents have good knowledge about condom use, they are still engaged in risky sexual behavior. OBJECTIVE: To assess condom use and attitude toward condom use among college students in southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 students at Mizan-Aman Polytechnic College in southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered using EpiData version 4.2.0.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Binary logistic regression was computed. Independent variables with a p value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 453, 180 were sexually active. Among those sexually active, 119 (66.1%) used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. The proportion of positive attitude toward condom use was 53.4%, and the mean attitude score for condom use was 28.6 (±9.99 SD) ranging from 10 to 50. The study also found that being male (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.19-2.65]), rural resident (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.47-3.30]), ever had sex (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI [1.23-2.85]), and knowledge of STIs (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.10-2.51]) were factors associated with a positive attitude toward condom use. CONCLUSION: The proportion of positive attitude toward condom use among college students in Ethiopia was low. The study also found that being male, rural resident, ever had sex, and knowledge of STIs were factors associated with a positive attitude toward condom use. Therefore, strengthening information, education, and communication (IEC) on condom self-efficacy; providing condoms on campuses; and imparting education about sexually transmitted infections for young adults are central for improving condom use and attitudes toward condom use. Besides, inculcating sexual and reproductive health in the educational curriculum plays paramount importance.