Theory of Planned Behaviour and Intention to Use Condoms among Adolescents in Low-Resource Setting

INTRODUCTION- Condoms use is a unique method of contraception. It prevents both unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Unplanned pregnancy is a public health issue with clinical, economic, social, and psychological consequences, especially among adolescents. The effects of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS are diverse affecting reproductive health, and fertility, and are a stigma in society. The theory of planned behaviour is a theoretical framework that can be used to study the intention of condom use. it gives the relationship between major domains attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control with the intention. This study aimed to assess the intention to use condoms among adolescents in Pre-degree campus OAU Ile-Ife, using the theory of planned behaviour. METHODS- This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design using a two-stage sampling technique among 360 adolescents in the Pre-degree campus Moro, Ile-Ife. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection; the chi-square test and binary regression were done. RESULTS- Eighty-four percent (84%) of the respondents were yet to attain coitarche. Sixty-four (64%) of the respondents had no intention to use condoms. Only few (13%) consistently use condom. Respondents attitude (OR=1.81, 95%CI=1.05-3.13, p=0.033), and perceived behavioural control (OR=3.26, 95%CI=1.89-5.63, p=0.001) were predictors of intention to use condom. CONCLUSION- The study concluded that there is a relationship between domains of theory of planned behaviour and intention to use condom. There is need for development of health education intervention programs that focus on adolescents attitude and perceived behavioural to promote safer sexual practices.