Condom use among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years attending youth centers and secondary schools in Cameroon

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection mainly concerns the young population and is predominantly sexually transmitted in Africa. In most regions of the world, teenagers, girls in particular, are the main vulnerable group of this infection. This study aimed at studying factors associated with reporting of sexual initiation and use of condom at the last sexual intercourse in Cameroonian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018 and concerned 4 regions Cameroon (East, Far North, North and West). In total, 23 secondary schools and 14 youth centers were selected. Adolescents aged 10 to 19 were randomly enrolled. The information was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome. Results: Among the 1153 adolescents enrolled in this study at a median age of 16 years (Interquartile range: 14-18), a half (51.2%) were boys. In total, 293 (25.4%) adolescents reported sexual initiation. Among these, 200 (69.7%) noted the use of condom at the last sexual intercourse. Among sexually active adolescents, the ones attending youth centers were more likely to report condom use at the last sexual intercourse than those in secondary schools [p=0.035]. Conclusion: More frequent condom use at the last sexual intercourse among adolescents attending youth centers could be explained by better access to sex education and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases prevention and contraceptive methods, due to the provision of Comprehensive Sexuality Education.