Article Text
Abstract
Background In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are disproportionally affected by HIV with more than half having HIV infection. This may be due to biological, socio-economic and other factors making them to be at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Hence, there is a need for female-controlled methods against STIs. This study assessed awareness and predictors of female condom use among Nigerian women of reproductive age.
Methods Secondary analysis of data from 2007 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) involving women of reproductive age group 15–49years was done. Multiple logistic regression was used to model for predictors of use of female condom.
Results The proportion of women in the study was 46.5% (5,360). The mean age was 27.8 ± 9.4years. The highest level of education was secondary education 34.9% and a higher proportion of them were from the Northwest geopolitical zone (24.9%). The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 18.4 ± 4.3years. About 5.5% had genital discharge in the past 12months; 12.6% of the women had heard of female condoms and 5.7% knew where to get them. However, only 0.4% had ever used female condom and 0.9% knew someone who was currently using it. Very few (0.2%) of those that used said it felt good. Reasons for non-use were: it slipped out 0.2%, made noise 0.1% and not liked 0.1%. The predictors of use of female condom were age at first sexual intercourse ≤ 16years OR = 2.0 95% CI: 1.1–3.9; having at least secondary education OR = 2.5 95% CI: 1.2–7.0; and sex for gift OR = 0.5 95% CI: 0.2–0.9.
Conclusion Awareness and use of female condom are low among Nigerian women of reproductive age. Therefore, there is urgent need for age-specific public enlightenment and education programme on this women-centred HIV prevention strategy. This initiative is vital in multi-pronged approach towards reducing HIV risk among women.
- Awareness
- Female condom
- predictors