Ghana, west-africa: National level data on barriers to condom use

Introduction: Proper and consistent use of condoms are effective preventive strategies against HIV transmission. Yet, in Ghana, West-Africa, condom use prevalence is relatively low. This study examined barriers (personal, social, cultural etc.) to condom use among Ghanaians.

Methods: Condom use patterns and perceptions of barriers to condom use were assessed using a 72-item questionnaire including items from the Condom Barrier Scale (CBS). CBS constructs include; partner-barriers, effect of condom use on sexual experience, access/availability and motivational barriers. Chi-square tests examined the relationship between selected demographic variables and CBS items.

Results: Selected results - Education was significantly associated with knowing where to get/buy a condom, X2 (6, N=5860)=409.10, p<0.001. Respondents with no education (20.7%) were more likely to not know where to buy a condom compared to respondents with secondary-education (4.4%) or tertiary-education (2.7%). Gender was significantly associated with being afraid to suggest condom use to partner, X2 (2, N=5830)=78.59, p<0.001. Female respondents (28.6%) were more likely to agree/strongly agree to be afraid to suggest condom use than males (18.1%). Gender was also significantly associated with the perception that condoms fell unnatural, X2 (2, N=5819)=24.91, p<0.001. Male respondents (53.4%) were more likely to agree/strongly agree that condoms feel unnatural than female respondents (49.4%).

Conclusion: In addition to highlighting several key, but varying barriers to condom use, this study provides necessary first-ever national level baseline data on barriers to condom use. It allows for more in-depth theory-based examination to better understand the relationship between identified barriers and condom use in Ghana.