The Female Condom: Acceptability and Perception among Rural Women in Zimbabwe

• Published in: African journal of reproductive health 2005-11, Vol.7 (3)
• Main Author: Monica Francis-Chizororo and Neddy Rita Natshalaga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Women, female condom, acceptability, perception, control, sex, HIV/AIDS
• ISSN: 1118-4841

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%). (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7 [3]: 101-116 ) Le condom féminin: acceptabilité et perception chez les femmes rurales au Zimbabwe. Cette étude a été mené pour produire des donnés en vue de développer un plan d'action qui permettra d'aborder le condom féminin à travers des centres de services médicaux primaires au Zimbabwé. Ile se servi des méthodes quantitatives et qualitatives pour recueillir les informations de la part des femmes et des hommes sexuellement actif sur la perception et l'acceptabilité du condom féminin chez les usagers dans les régions rurales du Zimbabwe. Les résultats ont montré que très peu de femmes avaient utilisé le condom féminin avant l'enqûete. Beaucoup de femmes (93%), sourtout les jeunes femmes (âgé de 29-39 ans (83%) ont beaucoup aimé le condom, par rapport à des femmes âgés de 40 ans et plus (11%). Et les femmes et le