Abstract
BackgroundThe female condoms are a barrier method of contraception. The FC1 female condom is made from soft thin plastic called polyurethane and has been replaced by FC2 female condom, which is made of synthetic latex. The female condom is worn inside the vagina and acts as a barrier to prevent semen getting to the womb. It is about 75% – 82% effective with normal use. When used correctly all of the time, female condoms are 95% effective. Despite evidence of its effectiveness, the use of the female condom has continued to face resistance from both women and men.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine clients’ level of knowledge of female condom, identify predominant methods of contraception, examine young women’s views regarding the female condom and identify barriers to the use of female condoms by young women.MethodA simple random sampling approach was used to recruit young women between 15 and 34 years in Jwaneng, Botswana. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaire from women accessing healthcare services in the three health facilities in 2015. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and the chi-square test techniques were applied using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical programme version 23 for Windows to analyse data.ResultsThe findings based on factor loadings show low utilisation of the female condom and highlights the significant challenges about the material, size, shape and timing of insertion. Respondents had stronger views on the structure of the condom. There was no significant relationship between attitude and method of contraception.ConclusionAcceptability of the female condom involves complex factors such as women position and decision-making power in a relationship, attitude and knowledge. Attitude, knowledge and power relations play a role in the extent to which women would want to try or use it. Various strategies need to be developed to effectively promote the female condom amongst young women.
Highlights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global public health problem that continues to affect millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries
Of the 95 respondents, 48.42% reported that they possessed tertiary educational qualifications whilst approximately 46.32% of the respondents reported that they had secondary educational qualifications up to the time the survey was conducted
The study results showed that the use of the female condom was low across all age groups, educational level and marital status
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global public health problem that continues to affect millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries. Women are disproportionately affected by the epidemic and account for 31% of new infections and such rates are three times higher than in men. Botswana continues to have one of the highest rates of HIV prevalence in the world. In Jwaneng Township, women continue to record high HIV prevalence rate of 16.1% as compared to 8.3% amongst men (Government of Botswana 2013). The female condom is worn inside the vagina and acts as a barrier to prevent semen getting to the womb. It is about 75% – 82% effective with normal use. Despite evidence of its effectiveness, the use of the female condom has continued to face resistance from both women and men
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