Knowledge, Accessibility and Use of Female Condoms in Tabora Region, Tabora Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines knowledge, accessibility, and use of female condoms in the Tabora region, particularly Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. Since the spread of the HIV epidemic and the rapid increase of population in the world and sub-Saharan Africa in particular, the use of a protective device such as condoms has been the major concern in overcoming the problems. The female condom has been considered as the women's protective measure against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy, as women control it and give them power to negotiate protective sex. However, in many situations, women and men control sexual behaviour. It was for this reason that this study was meant to examine the extent of knowledge, accessibility and use of female condoms in Tabora Municipality. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A total of 384 men and women aged 15-49 were interviewed. Both primary and secondary data were utilized. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used to collect relevant information on the knowledge, accessibility and use of female condoms. The structured questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection in the field to collect relevant information on the knowledge, accessibility and use of female condoms. The questionnaire was administered by the researcher to respondents who were found in the selected saloons in Tabora Municipality.  A total of 384 men and women were interviewed from selected venues. The study also used focus group discussion (FGD) to collect information about knowledge, accessibility and use of female condoms. Also, secondary information, such as that obtained from journals, official documents, books, and published and unpublished materials from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Both independent and dependent variables were coded in the computer and edited using SPSS. Frequency distribution and cross-tabulation tables were constructed. The chi-square test was also used to test the strength of the association between variables. This study reveals that knowledge about female condoms is very high (98 percent) but the use is very low. Only 22.1 percent of respondents admitted to having used a female condom. 46.6 percent report having access to female condoms every time they want to use them. It is recommended that both governmental and non-governmental organizations should educate people on the use of female condoms throughout the country especially in rural areas and that deliberate efforts should be made to ensure accessibility and availability of female condoms near people settings