Price of condoms barrier to safe sex for young people
Three out of four Flemish young people find condoms too expensive and 30 per cent say that the cost prevents them from using them, according to a new study.
The study by Sensoa, the Flemish centre of expertise for sexual health, is the first to examine condom use, perceptions, and knowledge among 16,500 participants in the region.
Young people are generally positive about condoms and use them more often than other age groups, although they often put them on too late or take them off too early. However, they still face many barriers.
"The results tell us that condom use is not just a rational choice"
As cost is a major barrier for young people, Sensoa is advocating for greater financial accessibility. "We should investigate whether initiatives such as free condoms for young people in France are feasible and effective in Flanders, especially in view of the higher number of STI diagnoses," said the centre.
Just over 30 per cent of participants who had sex in the last six months sometimes used a condom. Just under a third of the participants used a condom almost always, and 40 per cent never used one.
As well as financial barriers, there are also psychological ones.
"The results tell us that condom use is not just a rational choice," the report reads. "People make choices every time they have sex. Even if you are determined to use a condom, there can be barriers."
As well as financial barriers, there are also psychological ones. 76 per cent of respondents are willing to forgo condoms if they know their sex partner well. For 17 per cent, fear of erectile dysfunction plays a role.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
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