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The
female condom: acceptability and perception among rural women in
Zimbabwe
Francis-Chizororo
M, Natshalaga NR.
December 2003
This study was
conducted to generate data for developing an action plan for accessing
the female condom through primary health care centres in Zimbabwe.
It used both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather information
from sexually active women and men on the perception and acceptability
of the female condom among users in rural areas of Zimbabwe.
The findings
show that very few women had used the female condom prior to the
survey. Several women (93%) liked the condom especially young women
aged 20-39 years (83%), compared to older women aged 40 years and
above (11%).
Both women and
men liked the dual role of contraception and protection against
STIs including HIV/AIDS played by the female condom. Most women
(98%) felt that it is important for women to have their own condom.
However, both men and women pointed out that it will be difficult
to introduce the female condom in married situations due to the
stigma associated with condoms in general. Over 80% of women said
they will have to seek permission from their partners to use the
female condom.
Women had problems
with inserting the condom and were concerned with lubrication, size
and appearance, and how to dispose of used condom. Regarding cost,
77% felt that the female condom is too expensive given that the
male condom can be obtained free from health centres. The cost of
the female condom could hinder its continued use and would encourage
women, especially commercial sex workers, to re-use it. Respondents
still require more information relating to side effects (45%), effectiveness
in STIs prevention including HIV/AIDS (44%), proper use (43%) and
cost (32%).
For more
information:
Institute of
Development Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount
Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. email: jmchiz@africaonline.co.zw
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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