Covering Yourself: Condom Use Among Hamilton Tertiary Students (2002)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Pinny, Melanie Filmer, Kristal Charsley, Grant Abbot, Melanie Young, Emmalee McVean (Tutor: Karen Alderton)
Abstract
In partnership with Polycare, (the student health centre within the Waikato Institute of Technology), we (a group of six nursing students with the guidance of a tutor) have attempted to explore some of the issues surrounding condom use in the Waikato. Our aim was to find out why sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) rate, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhoea are climbing (among youth).
An initial meeting with Polycare, was also held in order to gain an understanding of the nature of their work and how their views of the issues were likely to transect with ours.
A thorough literature review was undertaken using the Keywords; sexually transmitted infections, statistics, youth culture, condoms, sexual education and locus of control. The literature review helped us to understand what the issues may be for the youth in Hamilton and to see what information could be transferable to this community. Several interviews were conducted with interested parties, including the Family Planning Association (FPA) and the Sexual Health Clinic at Waikato Hospital, to gather further information from people that work in the field.
The investigation was concluded by exploring the issue of condom use with youth. Two focus groups were conducted, one for males and one for females, to find out “how young people get condoms on the agenda within their personal relationships”. Discussion within these groups reinforced much of what was found in the literature. Both groups cited STI’s as a major influence on deciding whether to use condoms. Condoms were less likely to be used in most long-term relationships, and were more likely to be on the agenda for one-night stands. It was also suggested that other factors such as intoxication, lust and passion were likely to influence the decision.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
The Family Planning Association and Glenys Woods
Rory McDonald and the staff at the Sexual Health Centre
Focus Group Participants
Hilary Graham-Smith and the team at Polycare
The Alamo,
The Outback and
The Bank for providing promotional gifts for focus groups
A full copy of the report is available from:
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