Use of condoms as contraceptive and disease preventive measures among residents of Jos, northern Nigeria.

The effectiveness, acceptability and protective aspects of condoms as both contraceptive and disease control measures was evaluated in 168 male residents of Jos in Nigeria. They were aged between 15 and 40 years and were attending the Family Planning Clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. The results showed that the majority (87.5%) of our patients were in the 21 to 30 years age group and most of the clients had used condoms for between 1 to 5 years. A good number of our clients (40.5%) used condom because it protects them against venereal disease while others felt it was safe and effective. The Family Planning Clinic was the main source of knowledge of the condom among our clients (42.9%), and the condom was rated as good or excellent by 137 (81.5%) clients. The only side effect of condom usage which featured prominently among our clients was reduced sexual excitement. The results were compared with studies carried out elsewhere. It was concluded that the condom could be an acceptable and effective form of contraception in this population. The users must, however, be highly motivated so as to use it during every act of coitus for optimal efficacy.