The purpose of this study was to assess male college students’ use of condoms, reasons for using condoms, their attitudes toward sexuality, and their attitudes toward condoms. The sample consisted of 305 male students who completed a questionnaire consisting of informational items (assessing class standing, marital status, reasons for using condoms, number of recent sexual partners, and intention to use condoms), the Sexual Opinion Survey, and the Attitude Toward Condoms Scale. The scores on the Attitude Toward Condoms Scale ranged from extremely negative to extremely positive, but the mean was close to the middle of the scale. The item correlation between the Attitude Toward Condoms Scale and the Sexual Opinion Survey was calculated to be .07 or no correlation, this implies there is no relationship between attitude toward sexuality and attitude toward condoms. A mild negative correlation (-.42) was noted between the Attitude Toward Condoms Scale and the item that stated "If you have intercourse in the next month, do you intend to use condoms?" The implications of these findings for increasing condom usage and recommendations for future research were discussed. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to discriminate between adolescent contraceptive users and nonusers on the basis of five variables; sexual self-concept, family life education, father communication, mother communication, and years of fathers' education. Included in the sample were 116 college freshmen men and women. The results revealed four out of the five variables were able to predict group membership. Adolescent contraceptive users had scores indicating higher sexual self-concepts and more open communication with their fathers, while noncontraceptive users had more months of family life education and had more open communication with their mothers. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to better understand factors related to communication and contraceptive use among college students. Further, the study was undertaken to obtain a better understanding of what is meant by the word "communication" when it is used pertaining to contraceptive use. Aspects related to communication examined were, content of discussion, timing and closure of discussion and satisfaction related to discussion concerning contraceptive use. The sample consisted of 245 subjects in late adolescence from a state university in Southwest Virginia. Subjects were divided into two categories: "Discussers", those who discussed the use of contraception with their last sexual partner; and, "Non-discussers", those who did not discuss the use of contraception with their last sexual partner. Discussers and Non-discussers were then divided into those subjects in casual relationships, and those subjects in exclusive relationships. The data were collected using a pencil and paper questionnaire. The results indicated a high usage of contraception among Discussers and Non-discussers in the sample. Results also indicate that relationship status appeared to have been a contributor to the use of contraception, (i.e., those in exclusive relationships were more likely to use contraception). It appears that in casual relationships communication may play an important role in the use of contraception in this group. Results indicate that casual Discussers may show some of the same characteristics (i.e., caring about partner) as those subjects in exclusive relationships. / Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc. (Public Health)) --University of Limpopo, 2005 / In rural areas, most women carry the burden of preventing unwanted pregnancies alone. Most of the men are not aware of the benefits of contraceptives. They mostly complain that the contraceptives their partners use make them sick. Men have a negative attitude towards the use of contraceptives and do not share the responsibility of contraceptive use with their partners. Aim: Aim of this study was to determine men’s knowledge, practices, and attitudes on the use of contraceptives in a village of Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: Five focus group discussions were held with groups of men between the ages of 20 and 50 in the five villages of Ga-Sekororo. The researcher used an audio tape to record what participants said during group sessions and made some observational notes to supplement the tape recordings. The researcher used a topic guide to direct and guide sessions with each of the group meetings in order to understand their knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards the use of contraceptives. Results: Some of the men were able to list the various methods of contraceptives available, the benefits of contraception, and the negative consequences of unprotected sex. Only 32% indicated a willing ness to use a male contraceptive pill when available which indicated unwillingness in most men to share the responsibility of contraception with their partners in spied of their knowledge of the benefits of contraception. Ninety two percent of men prefer the first-born child to be a male and if it happens to be a female, will continue to have children until a male is born. Programmes to address the reproductive health needs of men are needed and when implemented will benefit women as well. The government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should work together to fulfil this need. / The Ford Foundation International Fellowship Programme

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease affecting 44 million Americans. A primary strategy to prevent osteoporosis is to develop a high peak bone mass in youth. Oral Contraceptives (OCs) alter hormones in women and could affect bone mass development. The interaction between OCs and skeletal mineralization is poorly understood. PURPOSE: Our aims were to 1) compare bone mineral density (BMD) of young women who had a history of OC use with regularly menstruating controls, 2) compare changes in BMD in controls, women who initiate OC use, and those who have a history of use, and 3) to evaluate predictive capabilities of physical activity and years of oral contraceptives use on changes in BMD. METHODS: We recruited women, 18 to 25 years of age, with a history of OC use and controls. BMD at the hip, whole-body, and spine (AP, g/cm�� and width-adjusted lateral, g/cm��) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity (METs) was measured via questionnaire and grip strength was evaluated using an isometric dynamometer. RESULTS: Groups were similar in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, grip strength, calcium intake and physical activity but controls were slightly older than OC users. In analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and BMI, controls had significantly greater BMD than OC users at baseline at the AP and lateral spine, hip, and whole-body (p<0.05). By ANCOVA (covariates = age at baseline, change in weight), oral contraceptive users had greater bone loss at L��� in the lateral view than controls whereas, controls had greater increases in L��� volumetric BMD, BMD of the total hip, and whole body than OC users (p<0.05). Stepwise regression results did not reveal years of oral contraceptive use, grip strength, or METs to be a significant predictor of changes in BMD at any site. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in the cross-sectional analysis, oral contraceptive use by young women may compromise bone health during a time when mineral is still accruing. In the prospective analysis, regularly menstruating controls had greater BMD accrual or less bone loss over a 12-month time period than women with a history of oral contraceptive use. / Graduation date: 2005

Thesis (MSc (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / Introduction: The provision of access to safe and effective contraception is a critical element in the health of women that enables them to make choices about their fertility. This element of control empowers them and indirectly enables them to access better social and economic opportunities. Hormonal contraceptives are a convenient, effective and relatively safe method of fertility control. Extensive research has been done on the effects of hormonal contraceptives on undesirable metabolic and haemostatic changes, but data on the relationship between oxidative stress and oral contraceptives is scarce and remains subject to debate. Aging of the skin due to oestrogen loss at menopause is thought to include atrophy, decreased collagen content, water content, and sebaceous secretions, loss of elasticity, wrinkling, poor wound healing and manifestations of hyperandrogenism. A number of studies have shown that oestrogens serve many important beneficial and protective functions in skin physiology. Despite extensive clinical experience, many metabolic effects of oral contraceptive treatment remain to be explored. The effects of progesterone on body weight and composition are of interest from several standpoints. Since hormonal contraceptives are widely used, it is important to investigate the effect thereof on oxidative status, skin parameters and anthropometric indicators, to enable women make informed choices about the use of contraceptives, or to adapt their lifestyle if necessary. The aim of the present study was therefore, to assess certain effects of contraceptives in a student population at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Objectives of the study: To determine the differences in skin health, anthropometric \parameters and oxidative stress status in female university students using various hormonal contraceptives versus non-contraceptive users. Research design: The study adopted a quantitative approach to examine a crosssectional research sample in order to provide a snapshot of the population at a particular time. Concenting participants were selected through the use of questionnaires aimed at ascertaining the type of contraceptive used as well as general health and lifestyle patterns. Blood samples were collected and the antioxidant status was determined. Body composition and skin analysis was conducted on each of the participants in the selected groups and the results were compared to determine the differences between contraceptive and non-contraceptive users. Results: With regards to oxidative stress status, the results indicated a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities within the triphasic contraceptive group compared to the monophasic contraceptive group, suggesting higher levels of oxidative stress in monophasic contraceptive groups. There was also an increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) for the triphasic contraceptive group when compared to the control, monophasic contraceptive and injectable contraceptive groups respectively, indicative of increased oxidative stress levels in the triphasic contraceptive group. In this study, skin parameters evaluation revealed that there was a general increase in the presence of erythema in the monophasic contraceptive group compared to the control; injectable contraceptive; implant contraceptive and triphasic contraceptive groups, symptomatic of higher vascular activity in the monophasic group. Melanocyte activity measured in the forehead, cheek and chin areas were also significantly increased when the monophasic contraceptive group was compared to the control and other contraceptive groups, characterised by the pigmentation pattern of chloasma/melasma known to be caused by hormones. The hydration measurements were significantly increased in the implant contraceptive group compared to the control and monophasic contraceptive groups. Furthermore, a significant increase in hydration was evident in the injectable contraceptive group when compared to the control and monophasic contraceptive groups. Injectable contraceptives and implant contraceptives mainly contain progesterone which has been proven to combat signs of aging and increase collagen and elastin in the skin. With respect to anthropometric measurements, there was a significant increase in the measurement of waist to hip ratio in the implant contraceptive group compared to the control group (non-contraceptive). Progesterone influence on adipose tissue distribution indicated a more significant increase of adipose tissue in the abdominal region. Conclusion: In this study there was some evidence that the type of hormonal contraceptive used does have significant effects on the variables tested in the population sample. These effects are dependent on the composition of the contraceptive and the levels of progesterone and/or oestrogen.

Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in English and Afrikaans / In an exploratory study variables influencing the intention to use contraceptives and contraceptive use of teenagers and the association between these variables were determined.A random quota sample consisting of 231 and 224 school boys and girls (14 - 18 years) were selected and the final investigating group were 315 sexually active teenagers. According to loglinear analyses the following variables showed a significant relationship with the intention to use contraceptives: attitudes towards the use of contraceptives, perceptions of accessibility and locus of control. Variables that showed a significant relationship with actual contraceptive use were gender, knowledge about reproduction and contraceptives, beliefs and attitudes towards the use of contraceptives, traditional values such as proving fertility before marriage and family size, perceptions of social approval of contraceptive use as well as perceptions of accessibility to contraceptives. An important conclusion was that an urgent need exists for effective sex education programmes and better access to contraceptives. / In 'n verkennende veldstudie is faktore wat verband hou met swart tienderjariges se intensie om kontraseptiewes te gebruik en werklike kontraseptiewe gebruik ge'identifiseer en die verhoudings tussen die faktore is bepaal. 'n Ewekansige kwotasteekproef van 231 en 224 plattelandse skoolseuns en meisies ( 14 - 18 jaar) is betrek en die finale ondersoekgroep was 315 seksueel aktiewe tienderjariges. Volgens logitmodelontledings het die volgende veranderlikes 'n beduidende verband getoon met die intensie om van kontraseptiewes gebruik te maak: houding teenoor die gebruik van kontraseptiewes, persepsies van toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes en lokus van beheer. Veranderlikes wat 'n beduidende verband getoon het met werklike kontraseptiewe gebruik was geslag, kennis oor menslike reproduksie en kontraseptiewes, menings en houdings oor die gebruik daarvan, tradisionele waardeor'ientasies soos die bewys van fertiliteit voor die huwelik en gesinsgrootte, persepsies van sosiale ondersteuning vir kontraseptiewe gebruik asook persepsies van toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes. 'n Belangrike gevolgtrekking was dat daar 'n dringende behoefte bestaan na effektiewe seksuele voorligtingsprogramme en grater toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes. / Psychology / M.A.(Psychology)

In Ethiopia the number of young people going to college is steadily increasing. This predisposes them to risky sexual behaviour which leads to unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and HIV. This study has aimed to determine the patterns of sexual practice and contraceptives use and risk behaviours among those students in central Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed. Data on sexual practice, knowledge and contraceptive use were collected from 327 college students. The data were cleaned, entered and analysed using SPSS version 20. The results revealed that despite their knowledge of the methods of safe sex, there are still considerable misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of contraceptives, their side effects and their proper use. In terms of the sexual practice reported by the respondents, 142 (43.4%) practised sex and 110 (77.5%) of respondents had used contraceptives at least once. The age of the respondents, the number of years for which they stayed in college and their fields of study were significantly associated with their sexual practice. In conclusion, a significant number of college students practised sex without using contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, and a considerable number of their partners disapproved of the use of contraceptives / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in English and Afrikaans / In an exploratory study variables influencing the intention to use contraceptives and contraceptive use of teenagers and the association between these variables were determined.A random quota sample consisting of 231 and 224 school boys and girls (14 - 18 years) were selected and the final investigating group were 315 sexually active teenagers. According to loglinear analyses the following variables showed a significant relationship with the intention to use contraceptives: attitudes towards the use of contraceptives, perceptions of accessibility and locus of control. Variables that showed a significant relationship with actual contraceptive use were gender, knowledge about reproduction and contraceptives, beliefs and attitudes towards the use of contraceptives, traditional values such as proving fertility before marriage and family size, perceptions of social approval of contraceptive use as well as perceptions of accessibility to contraceptives. An important conclusion was that an urgent need exists for effective sex education programmes and better access to contraceptives. / In 'n verkennende veldstudie is faktore wat verband hou met swart tienderjariges se intensie om kontraseptiewes te gebruik en werklike kontraseptiewe gebruik ge'identifiseer en die verhoudings tussen die faktore is bepaal. 'n Ewekansige kwotasteekproef van 231 en 224 plattelandse skoolseuns en meisies ( 14 - 18 jaar) is betrek en die finale ondersoekgroep was 315 seksueel aktiewe tienderjariges. Volgens logitmodelontledings het die volgende veranderlikes 'n beduidende verband getoon met die intensie om van kontraseptiewes gebruik te maak: houding teenoor die gebruik van kontraseptiewes, persepsies van toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes en lokus van beheer. Veranderlikes wat 'n beduidende verband getoon het met werklike kontraseptiewe gebruik was geslag, kennis oor menslike reproduksie en kontraseptiewes, menings en houdings oor die gebruik daarvan, tradisionele waardeor'ientasies soos die bewys van fertiliteit voor die huwelik en gesinsgrootte, persepsies van sosiale ondersteuning vir kontraseptiewe gebruik asook persepsies van toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes. 'n Belangrike gevolgtrekking was dat daar 'n dringende behoefte bestaan na effektiewe seksuele voorligtingsprogramme en grater toeganklikheid tot kontraseptiewes. / Psychology / M.A.(Psychology)

In Ethiopia the number of young people going to college is steadily increasing. This predisposes them to risky sexual behaviour which leads to unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and HIV. This study has aimed to determine the patterns of sexual practice and contraceptives use and risk behaviours among those students in central Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed. Data on sexual practice, knowledge and contraceptive use were collected from 327 college students. The data were cleaned, entered and analysed using SPSS version 20. The results revealed that despite their knowledge of the methods of safe sex, there are still considerable misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of contraceptives, their side effects and their proper use. In terms of the sexual practice reported by the respondents, 142 (43.4%) practised sex and 110 (77.5%) of respondents had used contraceptives at least once. The age of the respondents, the number of years for which they stayed in college and their fields of study were significantly associated with their sexual practice. In conclusion, a significant number of college students practised sex without using contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, and a considerable number of their partners disapproved of the use of contraceptives / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)