dc.description.abstract | This was a study to determine factors influencing women's ability
to insist on condom use by their sexual partners.
Fifty five (55) women in the age range 15-45 of age were sampled
from different socio-economic backgrounds and institutional set
ups.
The literature reviewed was based on factors that influence women's
ability to insist on condom use by their sexual partners and also
based on studies done elsewhere in the world concerning HIV/Aids
women and condom use.
Data were collected using self administered questionnaire,
interviews and focus group discussions between 20th September and
6th October 1994, and analysed by computer.
The findings revealed that apart from economic dependence on the
man by most women for survival, religious influence also rated high
as a factor discouraging women from insisting on condom use by their
sexual partners. Other factors established by the study were
cultural upbringing and surprisingly, lack of sexual satisfaction
if the condom was used.
Knowledge about HIV and the effectiveness of the protection
provided by the condom was almost 100% among the respondents, yet
condoms are still out of reach for most women. Recommendations
include that the church should take on a more bold stance by
encouraging not only change of behaviour but also condom use for
those who cannot change. To the planners, policy makers and NGO's
the study suggests that they should come up with ways of empowering
women economically to enable them make a living. Customs that oppress women's position
should be discouraged and people must be taught the correct way of using the condom
if sexual satisfaction is to be achieved. | en_US |