What is it about?
Condom use is vital in preventing HIV and pregnancy, but is declining among youth. This paper examines the factors influencing condom use among sexually active youth in communities where social and behavior change (SBC) interventions were implemented.
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Why is it important?
It focuses on real-world factors influencing condom use among sexually active youth, a population at high risk for HIV and unplanned pregnancies, within Social and Behavior Change(SBC) intervention communities. This study dives into specific, community-level influences like parental support, partner communication about HIV, and confidence in using condoms. Its findings are especially timely given the recent declines in condom use among African youth, despite ongoing prevention campaigns. The study also captures data from both urban and rural settings within SBC program areas, offering insights that can be directly applied to strengthen ongoing youth-focused interventions. By highlighting actionable social and behavioral factors—like the role of parental support and partner testing—the study provides clear entry points for program designers and policymakers to improve the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs.
Perspectives
Writing this paper was a continuous learning process made possible by co-authors who also served as my mentors. I hope that this paper can enable people to learn how they can continue the great work that SBC has contributed to improving health outcomes in Africa and the entire world.
Mark Lwakatare
FHI 360
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Determinants of condom use among sexually active youth in SBC intervention communities in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study, PLOS One, July 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326878.
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