Enhancing Adolescent Sexual Health Education and Condom Use in Harare: Addressing Attitudes and Practices Amongst Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: This study is coming against the backdrop of the attitudes and practices portrayed by sexually active adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) concerning preventing STIs through condoms as a practice for safe sexual relations. Aim: The study aims to explore the attitudes that adolescents on ART have towards the use of condoms as a preventive measure for the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Method: The research presents a comprehensive examination of adolescent knowledge and attitudes towards antiretroviral therapy (ART) and sexual health education in Harare, employing a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, capturing participants’ understanding of ART and their views on sexual health services. Qualitative data were obtained through structured interviews with purposely selected groups of adolescents, reflecting their lived experiences and perceptions. The sample was designed to reflect the diversity of the urban setting, with ten groups of participants representing various demographics. Data analysis encompassed univariate statistics, bivariate associations using Pearson’s Chi-square, and multivariate relationships between variables and consistent condom usage, all with a 95% confidence level. This integrated approach provides a nuanced understanding of the complex factors influencing adolescent behavior in relation to ART and sexual health services, contributing valuable insights for public health interventions in Harare. Results: This study investigated the attitudes and practices of condom use among 202 adolescents aged 10-19 years. The study found that several factors were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards condom use. Adolescents with older partners were more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use (AOR=2.43, CI=1.16-5.10). This means that for every one year increase in the age of the sexual partner, the odds of having a positive attitude towards condom use increased. This could be attributed as adolescents perceive older partners as having more sexual experience and therefore consider condom use as a necessary precaution.