Determinants of condom use during last sexual intercourse among male college youth of Kaski, Nepal: A cross-sectional survey

Background The National Family Planning program of Nepal has introduced the condom as an important family planning method. Despite the continuous effort from the public and private sectors at various levels, its use among youth remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with condom use during the last sexual intercourse among male college youth. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study and analyzed the responses of 361 male college youth (aged 19 to 24 years who reported being sexually active preceding six months of the survey), among the 903 participants who reported being involved in vaginal and anal sexual intercourse. The chi-square test was primarily used to find the associated factors and then, stepwise logistic regression was performed by selecting the covariates after the multicollinearity test followed by adjustment of confounders. Results We found that more than one-fourth (27.4%) of the sexually active male youth had used the condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Postgraduate male youth were four times more likely to use the condoms during the last sexual intercourse than undergraduate male youth (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI; 2.08–8.06). Similarly, married youth were less likely to use the condoms during the last sexual intercourse with 95% lower odds than their counterparts (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI; 0.01–0.38). Male youth with adequate knowledge about the condoms were 8 times more likely to use them compared to those with inadequate knowledge (AOR = 8.42, 95% CI; 4.34–16.33). Likewise, male youth with favorable attitude towards the condoms were 2.5 times more likely to use them compared to their counterparts (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI; 1.23–5.42). Similarly, male youth having two or more sex partners were 4.5 times more likely to use the condoms than the youth having only a sex partner (AOR = 4.57, 95% CI; 2.38–8.76). Conclusion The study concluded that slightly more than one-fourth (27.4%) of male college youth in Kaski district used the condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Level of education, marital status, knowledge about condoms, attitude toward condoms, and number of sex partners are the determinants of condom use among male college youth so recommended for early behavioral interventions, especially in knowledge and attitude. Further studies focusing on including the rural youth and larger geography may help to reach a firmer conclusion.

KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION ABOUT CANCER: A STUDY AMONG YOUTH IN DELHI

Introduction: Cancer has become one of the major health challenges around the globe. Most of the cancers can be managed appropriately if these are identied early, which requires knowledge among the general population about the symptoms. Thus it is important to understand the knowledge and perception of people about the causes and symptoms of cancer. The present study examined knowledge and awareness of youth about the symptoms of cancer and studied their perception about myths associated with cancer. Method: A sample of 80 college students was studied using a self developed questionnaire. The participants were invited through college circulars. The anonymous questionnaire was administered on a prescheduled time followed by an awareness session to the participants. Data was managed and analysed through MS excel using tabular-graphic representation and descriptive statistics. Results: The study reported low level of knowledge among the college youth about early symptoms and causes of cancer. Myths about cancer being infectious, transmitted through casual contact and incurable were revealed among educated youth. Conclusion: The educated youth are not able to identify the initial symptoms of cancer which may hinder early identication of the disease in family. The study emphasized the urgent need of information; education and communication campaigns about cancer through educational institutions so that entire family can be educated about the disease.

The Use of Social Networking Sites and Other Services for Learning among College Youth

Most of the college youth believe that the social networking sites and other streaming services facilitate the learning process. The purpose of the present research study was to assess the attitudes of college youth towards social networking sites and utilising other services such as YouTube etc. as tools for education. The sample for the study were selected randomly and included 180 college youth studying in Government Degree colleges of Jammu, India. Data were collected through survey method and self-prepared tool which was used to assess the attitude of college youth towards social networking sites and other services as a tool for education. Findings revealed that YouTube is used by a large number of users as compared to WhatsApp and Facebook. Majority of the undergraduate youth are using YouTube videos, WhatsApp messenger and LinkedIn for viewing and sharing educational content. It was also found that male college youth used more of LinkedIn and Twitter, while female college youth used more of Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube. In addition to this, the study shows that no significant differences exist in the attitude and perceived impact of male and female students at the undergraduate level. However, they have equally shown positive and favourable attitude towards social networking.

Closing the Gap: Identifying Self-Reported Quality of Life Differences Between Youth With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This study measured quality of life (QOL) for transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and college youth without IDD. Transition-age youth with IDD (n = 19) and college youth without IDD (n = 30) were interviewed using the Quality of Life-Questionnaire (QOL-Q). One-way between-subjects analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and multivariable linear regression were used to explore differences between the groups and identify QOL predictors. Youth with IDD scored significantly lower on the QOL-Q than college youth without IDD. They scored lower in Independence, Community Integration, and Productivity; however, no significant difference was found in Satisfaction. Although studies have examined QOL for children, youth with autism spectrum disorder, and adults, additional research is needed on the factors that contribute to QOL among transition-age youth with IDD in order to improve the quality of their transition to adulthood.