University students 'clueless' about condoms

Many university students are "completely clueless" about condoms, according to a poll out today.

More than one in 10 cannot put a condom on properly and 16% believe two condoms are safer than one.

More than a third of students believe condoms have holes in them big enough for HIV to get through while almost a quarter think other forms of contraception protect against sexually-transmitted infections.

The survey of more than 2,200 university students, carried out for the charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and the National Union of Students (NUS), involved 20 questions about condoms.

Other findings were that one in 10 students think condoms should be stored in a warm place (which can actually cause them to perish), while seven students believed they could be washed and re-used.

Lisa Power, head of policy at THT, said: "University students are no smarter than many other young people when it comes to sexual health.

"They are just as likely to believe myths about condoms and to have got more of their sex education in the playground than the room.

"We spend a fortune educating students, but leave them ignorant about key issues in their adult lives.

"It's hardly surprising that rates of sexually transmitted infections are soaring."

THT wants sex and relationships education to be made compulsory in schools, rather than the present situation where students may only be taught the biology of conception.

It has gathered more than 5,000 signatures on the issue.

Veronica King, NUS vice president of welfare said: "These results are a timely reminder of the value of good sex education - and clearly many more resources are needed to improve awareness.

"Some of the answers may seem comic, but failing to practice safe sex is no joke which is why NUS is pleased to be working with THT and to play our role in raising awareness of this vital issue."

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "All schools must have a policy for sex and relationship education.

"The elements of sex education as set out in the national curriculum for the teaching of science are compulsory in all maintained schools.

"Beyond the statutory requirements, schools are also required to have regard to the Department's Guidance on Sex and Relationship Education.

"Schools are also strongly encouraged to use the framework for PSHE to develop their programmes further. According to Ofsted, virtually all schools provide PSHE."

Copyright Press Association 2007.

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