MARRIED WOMEN'S KNOWLEDGE OF AND INTENTION TO USE FEMALE CONDOM IN IBADAN SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Women constitute over 50% of those infected with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa where the pandemic poses major public health problems and one-third of these women are married. Although various protective devices against HIV infection exist, only the female condom currently serves as a woman-initiated protection method against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. Few studies exist on women's level of knowledge about the female condom and their intention to use it. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge and intention to use female condom among married women in lbadan Southwest Local Government Area (LGA). The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey involving a multi -stage sampling of married women. Six out of the 11 wards in the LGA were randomly selected. A total of 392 respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, complemented by eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were transcribed and summarized while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 28.8 ± 6.5 years. Majority of the respondents, (70.2%) were Christians while 29.3% were Muslims. Less than half, (40.6%) and (27.8%) had ever heard of and seen female condom. Only 4.3% of those who heard, had ever used it. Seventy-one percent of those who had ever used female condom intended to continue, while 29.4% were not sure. Out of the 375 non-users, 13.8% intended to initiate use, 57.9% would not and 24.0% were unsure. Age, religion and level of education were not significantly associated with female condom use (p>0.05). Of the 15-30 and 31-0 age groups, 4-2% and 4.5% respectively had ever used female condom. The differences were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Nearly half (46.3%) of the respondents with post-secondary education intended to use female condom as against 7.4% with no formal education. Perceived high self-efficacy was significantly associated with ever use of the female condom (p<0.05).

A majority (76.4%) of those who had ever used female condom reported that they had high self-efficacy. Major reasons adduced for future intention to use included prevention of STIs./HIV (7.4%) and unwanted pregnancy (2.1%) as well as for child spacing (1.5%). The reasons for continuation included feeling of being natural during use (23.5%) and prevention of unwanted pregnancy 17.6%). The reasons given by non-adopters included husband's disapproval (44.8%), and concern that it can drop into a woman's body leading to death (26.1%). Of all the FGD discussants, only one had ever used the female condom. The factor that influenced non- adoption of female condom among some FGD discussants were the large size of the product and a perception that it was dangerous. Most of the discussants would be willing to try it if trained on bow to use it. The use of female condom is low among the study group and few intended to adopt its use. Health education is needed to promote adoption of female condom through social marketing and training.