This study examined the factors that influence condom-use among young never-married males in Nigeria.
Such information can help improve the design of a prevention programme for young never-married,
especially, males to reduce their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS transmission.
Data were derived from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Analysis of
data was restricted to 827 males aged 15-24 years, who had never married or lived together with a woman.
Both descriptive and analytical methods were used for assessing the net effects of socioeconomic factors
on condom-use. The analysis used logistic regression models for determining the predictors of sexual behaviour
and condom-use among young never-married males in Nigeria. About 43% of the study population
was sexually experienced, and the use of a condom remained low. One in five reported the use of a
condom at sexual debut. Level of education, place of residence in childhood, urban/rural region, religious
affiliation, economic status index, and exposure to mass media were associated with sexual experience
and use of protective measures. Economic status index and mass-media exposure were associated with the
use of a condom by the respondents during their last sex encounter. About two-fifths (43%) of the young
unmarried Nigerian men were sexually experienced but the condom-use remained low, thus making this
sub-group of Nigerian population highly vulnerable to STIs, including HIV/AIDS.