Question

discuss some of the complex psychological and social factors that may influence individuals' decision to engage in safe sex practices, such as using a condom. Why is knowledge alone not enough to encourage individuals' engagement in healthy behaviors, like practicing safe sex?

Answer 1

The whole issue in using safe sex practices is the tabboo attached to it. The culture which looks down on the idea of talking about sex in open results the individuals to be scared on knowing the real facts about it. This leads to lack of sex education as a whole. As said, little knowledge is very dangerous. Due to lack of formal knowledge and improper discussion on sex, the individuals get more curious and end up trying it without using any safety measures. They also are unaware of the consequences of unsafe sex like AIDS. When engaged in intercourse, they do not feel the need to go to medical shops and get condoms. Another reason can also be the peer pressure attached to it wherein the friends boost each other saying that it is ok to not have safe sex. Also, in most places, there is a stigma atttached to buying condoms or pills. The shopkeepers usually look down upon such individuals making them uncomfortable. One of the other problem is the patriarchy which brings in male ego. Studies have proved that males do not find condoms satisfying and that is one reason they do not use them.

Knowledge, alone cannot help unless we get support from our surroundings. The entire world knows that cigrette is injurious to health, but still they smoke. This is due to the peers and family more than knowledge. The same is with sex. The people surrounding you should encouage you to have safe sex, only then will you will be able to induldge in the right practices.