Knowledge and Practices Related to Condom Utilisation among the People of Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe.

The study is coming against a problem of an increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases in spite of a good condom distribution programme in place in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The researchers therefore sought to investigate the knowledge and practices related to condom utilisation among the people in the community. To answer the research problem, the researchers used both qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample of 72 participants was selected from a population people of have been diagnosed of having sexually transmitted diseases and those that have not. Convenience and snowball sampling was used to identify the participants. Questionnaires, an interview guide and a focus group discussion guide were used as research tools. Findings revealed that generally the community is aware of the existence of condoms in the community. However, the majority of people in the community are not well equipped with the knowledge on condom utilisation because they are failing to use condoms consistently and correctly. To this end, the researchers recommended massive awareness campaigns to educate the community on condom utilisation in order to reduce the prevalence rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Key Words: Condom Distribution, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Community, Condom Utilisation