CONDOM USE IN SEXUAL EXCHANGE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG YOUNG SINGLE ADULTSIN GHANA

This article discusses some personal and situational factors which hin der the use of condoms among young single adults ages 18 to 25 years e ngaged in sexual exchange relationships in a Ghanaian town. Based on f ocus group discussions and in-depth interviews, this article highlight s some key impediments often not adequately discussed in the discourse on condom use but considered vital in any attempt to increase condom use and ultimately reduce HIV transmission. This includes the dilemma facing women who want to use condoms for HIV prevention in premarital sexual exchange relationships (quite different from prostitution) cont racted with material gain in mind. Women may face the risk of losing m aterial benefits from sexual exchange relationships if the man is unwi lling to use condoms. It is recommended that HIV health educators must increase the involvement of young single adults in exploring these an d situational impediments and together design interventions to improve condom use.