Background: Despite high seroprevalence of HIV in urban Zimbabwe, research has shown that male condom use among sexually active women is low. The objective of this analysis is to examine barriers to condom use among Zimbabwean women who received a condom intervention. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted on 185 HIV negative sexually active women attending clinics in urban Zimbabwe. Data from post intervention one month follow up (N=178) were analyzed to assess condom use, perceived barriers, and partner reactions to condom use. Consistent condom users were defined as using condoms during ³75% of sexual intercourse acts. Results: 121 (68%) women were categorized as consistent condom users. Among both consistent and inconsistent users the most frequently reported reasons for not using a condom were beliefs that either their partner was monogamous (37%) or that he used condoms with his other partners (37%). The majority of women in both groups also reported that when asked to use a condom her partner respected her more (60%) and changed his mind and used it (65%). A significantly higher percentage of inconsistent compared to consistent users reported not being able to convince partner to wear a condom (37% vs. 5% p<.01) and were more likely to be forced to have sex without a condom (28% vs. 8% p<.01). Conclusions: Interventions for urban Zimbabwean women should focus on overcoming reliance on partner fidelity, stress negotiation strategies that capitalize on potential benefits, help women anticipate and defuse potential negative partner reactions and make available female controlled methods.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify barriers to condom use among at-risk urban Zimbabwean women. 2. Discuss interventions that address and overcome barriers to condom use among this population
Keywords: Condom Use,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Zimbabwe, University of California, San Francisco and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by TRW and work as a contractor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.