Condom use

Almost 90% of learners knew that sexually transmitted diseases could be prevented.

Over 80% of learners at both Sapler and other schools knew specifically that condoms help prevent STD infection.

Encouragingly, well over 80% of learners at both types of schools rejected the idea that condoms spoil pleasure and should therefore not be used.

Around 70% of learners knew that unlike condoms, the family planning injection, although useful in preventing pregnancy, does not help to prevent an STD. It is nevertheless worrying that around 30% of learners, even at Sapler schools, thought that it did prevent STDs or were unsure.

However, girls (who are most directly involved in making decisions about getting the injection) were considerably more knowledgeable about its lack of efficacy in preventing STDs, with up to 80% in Sapler schools being aware of this.

Learners therefore have reasonably good knowledge about and favourable attitudes towards condom use. They also report making extensive use of condoms, with 83% of learners at Sapler schools and 80% of learners at other schools either not having sex or using condoms at least sometimes. 

However, condom use appears to be sporadic, with only about 20% nearly always using condoms and as many as 14% never using condoms.