Stats show young people are ditching condoms

Concerning statistics shows that young people resort to not using condoms during sexual intercourse. This is attributed to peer pressure, stigma and inaccessibility of condoms. These findings raise concerns of the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The 2017 Durex Global Sex Survey revealed that, in South Africa, 41% of young people between the ages of 18 to 24 have had unprotected sex at least once.

In the 36 countries observed, which includes South Africa, 54% have risked unprotected sex at some point in their lives – that is more than half of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Volker Sydow, Durex global category director, said carrying and using condoms shouldn’t be something young people are embarrassed about.

“We are on a mission to help everyone have safe and pleasurable sex, and this research suggests that there may be a serious issue with how some young people feel about protection,” he said.

Data between 2011 and 2017 showed that 24% of young people in the same age group had sexual intercourse for the first time without using protection. In the same period there was a 7% decrease in condom use.

These numbers raise concerns about unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. It is particularly prevalent because December 1 is observed as World Aids Day by all the United Nations countries, which includes South Africa.

In July this year, Statistics South Africa estimated the total number of people in the country who are living with HIV to be 7.06 million.

According to the survey, contributing factors to the lack of condom use among the group studied is stigma. 28% of the young people observed said they were would be embarrassed to be caught carrying a condom. In addition, the survey saw that men were more likely to purchase condoms and only one in five women bought them.

The government does make free condoms available in public health facilities but only 41% of people have used free condoms in South Africa.

A Statistics South Africa report noted that the fight against HIV infection includes education and knowledge of alternative prevention methods such as faithfulness in intimate relationships, partner reduction or abstinence.

	Phelokazi Mbude Journalist City Press p: 0117139001 w: www.citypress.co.za  e: Phelokazi.Mbude@citypress.co.za
Sign up for City Press' morning newsletter On a Point of Order here