Condom Use in HIV Prevention among Catholic Youths

This study is an investigation into the discourse of the Catholic Church on the use of condoms in the prevention of HIV transmission. The objective is to assess the preferred discourse among Catholic students in a nursing school. The findings revealed that in principle, students supported the Church s message of abstinence while in practice they favoured the secular s message of condom use. Message of "safe sex" from secular institutions, and students distorted perception of the Church s teaching on human sexuality undermine students ability to make an informed decision when dealing with issues of abstinence, fidelity and condom use. The study has generated more information on the Christian-Secular discourse on condom use which is of great help to scholars, students, government, Church and other planners in the country to understand the HIV/AIDS phenomenon better.

Autorentext

The author holds a Master of Education in Religious Studies (University of Zambia), a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Urbanian University, Italy), and a Diploma of Philosophy and Religious Studies (St Augustine s Major Seminary, Zambia). He is a lecturer at Copperstone University, Zambia, in Research Methodology and Religious Studies.