Social and individual factors associated with condom use among single youths: an analysis of the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey

In Cameroon, two-fifths of the population is between the age of 15 and 24. Adolescents and youths are an important social group for the development of the country and the realization of the demographic dividend. The promotion of sexual and reproductive health will enable youth to transform their potential into development. This study aimed to identify the determinants of condom use at last sexual intercourse among single youths, highlight gender differences in the factors associated with condom use and identify the characteristics of youths who were less likely to use condoms. Data were taken from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey. The study sample comprised 1464 single females and 989 single males age 15-24. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the study hypotheses. Overall, 51% of the female and 66% of the male youths reported using condoms at last sexual intercourse. For both sexes, the protective factor was not having children. Among the females, belonging to the Bamileke or Mbo ethnic groups and delaying first sexual intercourse were also protective, while working in the modern or service sectors was the main risk factor. Among male youths, residing in households whose heads had a higher educational level was protective and household poverty was the main risk factor. These findings support Cameroon's multi-sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS prevention among youths, and emphasize the importance of involving parents, teachers and youths in prevention strategies.