We are Unable to Access Condoms: Voices of the Youth in Ghana

Condom use among the youth is low although condoms can be obtained from different outlets in Ghana. The objective of this paper is to discuss the reasons for the inability of the youth to access condoms from the various... [ view full abstract ]

Condom use among the youth is low although condoms can be obtained from different outlets in Ghana. The objective of this paper is to discuss the reasons for the inability of the youth to access condoms from the various outlets. This paper draws data from 47 FGDs conducted among in- and out-of-school youth aged 15-24 years. The FGDs were conducted in twelve towns, which were chosen purposively from the three ecological zones of the country in 2011. The inability of the youth to access condoms from the various outlets are mainly due to attitude of some service providers, negative perception of the youth about condom use and shyness. Exploring the views of the youth could contribute to the design of effective programs to address the negative attitudes and the behavioral factors that inhibit access and use of condoms.