Title: Negotiating Female Condom Use Compared with Male Condom Use
The Population Council/Horizons project, with Population Services International/Zimbabwe, and with additional support from DFID and UNAIDS, carried out a study on female condom use in Zimbabwe. Study objectives included identifying characteristics of female versus male condom users, and exploring the role of partner communication and negotiation in female condom use. This analysis explores whether female condom users are more empowered than male condom users and thus better able to negotiate the introduction of a new barrier method into their relationship(s).
Methods: Data was collected from 492 female condom users (250 women and 242 men) and 1,055 male condom users who had not used female condoms (365 women and 690 men). Individuals were surveyed from female condom distribution outlets (e.g., pharmacies, groceries). Eligible participants were aged 16-49 and reported male or female condom use during the past 12 months.
Results: Almost 90% of female condom users report prior use of male condoms. Preliminary analyses indicate that female condom users report being of a higher socio-economic group and education level than exclusively male condom users. Female condom users who were women were more likely to report that they, compared to their male partner, decided to use the female condom. Further analyses will explore differences in sexual communication and negotiation skills among female and male condom users.
Conclusion: Important differences exist between the samples of female condom users compared to male condom users. Implications for the role of the female condom as a "female-controlled" method will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the audience will be able to better articulate the issue of "empowerment" as it relates to the female condom
Keywords: Condom Use, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Female Health Company - female condom
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.