Investigating the Perceptions and Attitudes of Tertiary Students Towards Female Condom Use in South Africa: A Quantitative Study

Introduction Female condom usage in South Africa remains significantly low despite ongoing public health initiatives. Tertiary students, a sexually active and at-risk group, face cultural, social, and informational barriers that hinder the adoption of female condoms. This study aimed to investigate the cultural, personal, and social perceptions of students at the University of Venda regarding female condom use. Methods The researcher used a cross-sectional descriptive design spanning February 2022 until April 2024 at a South African tertiary institution. The study was conducted at a tertiary institution in Limpopo province. Using a systematic sampling method, 386 students completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 29 to generate descriptive statistics and weighted averages, particularly for Likert-scale responses. Results Only 6.88% of students reported ever using female condoms, compared to 45.55% for male condoms. The majority (76.7%) lacked knowledge on how to use female condoms. Cultural discomfort with discussing sexual matters, particularly with parents, was prevalent (74.4%). Social stigma also emerged, with over 60% unwilling to collect female condoms publicly. Most students (88.9%) had never initiated female condom use during their first sexual encounter. Discussion Findings indicate that a combination of cultural taboos, misinformation, and social barriers contributes to the underuse of female condoms. Despite openness to safer sexual practices, students experience low confidence and limited institutional support in using female condoms. Theoretical alignment with the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour helps explain the psychosocial and behavioural dynamics observed. Conclusion This study emphasises how important it is for higher education institutions to have thorough, gender-sensitive sexual health programs. Reducing stigma, encouraging open communication, and incorporating hands-on training on female condom use are some of the practice implications. To enable students, particularly women, to make knowledgeable, independent decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, public health policymakers and university stakeholders should work together to normalise the use of female condoms.