Female Condom Research Articles

Paradigm Shift in Design of Tongue Condoms for Genitals or Anal Foreplay and Oral Intercourse: The Game Changer ApproachPhase four Category

Paradigm Shift in Design of Tongue Condoms for Genitals or Anal Foreplay and Oral Intercourse: The Game Changer ApproachPhase four Category

A qualitative study on the clinical safety and user experiences of female condoms for anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China.

This qualitative study aimed to understand the clinical safety, efficacy, and receptiveness of using the female condom (FC) during anal intercourse among men who have sex with men (MSM). Subjects for this study were recruited from a two-group crossover trial among MSM in Shanghai. The trial consisted of two phases, each including the use of condoms (FC vs. male condom), questionnaires, and in-depth one-on-one interviews. The two phases were separated by a washout period of 4 weeks. The minimum sample size for this study was determined in accordance with the principle of "information saturation." The qualitative data were organized and analyzed using ATLAS.ti version 7. A total of 26 participants from the MSM population were recruited for this study, with 10 assuming the insertive role (i.e., "1"), 8 assuming the receptive role (i.e., "0"), and 8 being versatile (i.e., "0.5"). Each participant completed the crossover trial comprising two phases. The cumulative usage of FCs and male condoms (MCs) amounted to 115 and 127 times, respectively. During the reported sexual encounters, no participants reported incidents of condom rupture, slippage, or other malfunctions. A few participants reported experiencing slight chafing pain, primarily put forward by "0" participants. Apart from those reports, no instances of bleeding, swelling, or allergic reactions were reported. The efficiency of FC in disease prevention, the sexual partner's willingness to use FC, the freshness of FC, and positive sexual experiences were the main reasons for the consistent use of FC for anal sex. Discomfort and pain during sexual activity, the loose design and thick material of FCs, and difficulties in placing FCs were the major obstacles to FC use among MSM. The elements referring to the forehead exhibited varied in importance among "1,", "0," and "0.5" participants. Regarding the willingness to use the FC in the future anal intercourse, 61.54% of participants expressed a positive inclination, 23.08% were uncertain, and 15.38% stated that they would not. "A better sense of security during anal sex" was the main factor affecting willingness among "0" participants and "the sexual pleasure that the FC brought" among "1" participants. Improving the design and technology of FCs and increasing the frequency of use and practice might improve the use skills, which will favor the willingness to use FCs among the MSM population. FCs received positive user feedback from study participants, but distinctions were found in individuals in different sexual roles. Large-scale quantitative studies are needed to evaluate the clinical safety of the FC and its effectiveness in preventing the transmission of STDs during anal intercourse.

Supply-side contribution to the lack of PBF impact on unmet need for family planning in Burkina Faso

Abstract Background In 2020, about one in four women in Burkina Faso faced an unmet need for family planning (FP). Between 2013 and 2017, Burkina Faso implemented a performance-based financing (PBF) program to improve primary health care service provision (including FP) at rural health centers. Our prior work revealed that PBF did not lead to a reduction in unmet need for FP, in spite of FP being an explicitly targeted service. Our current study assesses supply-side factors that have likely contributed towards this lack of effect at population level, by examining changes in facility-based indicators relevant to the provision of FP induced by PBF. Methods We used facility-based survey data from 406 PBF and 117 control facilities collected before and after the PBF implementation. To compare changes in FP service provision, we examined changes in a number of relevant indicators including: a. the types of FP methods offered by facilities; b. trainings received by different FP providers; and c. available stocks of modern contraceptives. We relied on a difference-in-differences (DID) regression model to estimate the impact of PBF on these indicators. Results We observed a significant positive impact on the number of staff qualified to provide injectables, implants and IUDs (effect size 0.47, p 0.003) as well as the number of facilities offering IUDs (effect size 0.28, p 0.016) and a significant reduction in the number of facilities experiencing stock-outs of female condoms (effect size -0.09, p 0.007) and implants (effect size -0.03, p 0.042). Conclusions Given the significant positive impacts on the number of qualified staff, facilities providing IUDs and a reduction in stock-outs of female condoms and implants attributable to the PBF intervention without showing signs of negative effects on the indicators measured supply-side factors might not have been the main reason for the lack of effect of the PBF program on unmet need for FP. Key messages • Supply-side factors might not have been the main reason for the lack of effect of the PBF program on unmet need for FP. • Further research is needed to explore other potential underlying reasons.

Female body image and prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Objective: to identify the association between the perception of body image and the adoption of preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections by female adolescents. Methods: descriptive research, with a sequential quantitative-qualitative mixed method, in three full-time schools located in socially vulnerable neighborhoods. Results: 147 female adolescents participated, with a mean age of 14. Body image dissatisfaction by the Silhouettes Scale and the Adolescent Dissatisfaction Rating Scale predominated. There was a lack of knowledge about the female condom and the correct handling of the male condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: there was no significant association among the variables: body image perception, knowledge of preventive measures, and sexual behavior; however, it was evidenced a tendency of the adolescents dissatisfied with their body image perception to expose themselves to sexual conduct with more than one partner at the same time. Furthermore, the adolescents' body image dissatisfaction influenced their knowledge about the female condom, HIV, and family. Contributions to practice: the actions of health promotion and education for adolescent girls should consider factors that raise the perception of positive body image, from strategies that reinforce self-esteem and safe sexual conduct.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Diabetes in adolescence.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Diabetes in adolescence.

Analysis of the main trends of the domestic market of contraceptive medical products in the context of increasing the country’s national security

The availability of high-quality and reliable information due developing and making managerial decisions process is the key to its effective functioning in the medicines and medical devices supply systems for any population groups. Аims. Conducting a comparative retrospective marketing analysis of the contraceptive medical devices market for the period 2020-2022 with the subsequent formation of an information array to assess the contraceptives suppling to female consumers. Materials and methods. The research materials are data from the State Register of Medical Equipment and Medical Devices of Ukraine, the Compendium Online information retrieval system, the Regulatory Documents of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine database, publications in scientific and practical publications in the direction of the study, data from the «Compendium» online information resource and an Internet resource for finding drugs in pharmacies of Ukraine «Tabletki.ua». Methods: content analysis, comparative and analytical methods, marketing research. The results of the research. The main assortment changes in contraceptive medical devices (CMD) for the period 2020-2022 were established: fullness and width. Changes in the corporate structure and market segmentation by producing countries were determined. The indices of the level of market monopolization were calculated and compared. Conclusions. As a result of a comprehensive study, the existing registries, information retrieval resources were analyzed and an assortment of modern CMD was formed, which has decreased by 20% over the past two years and is represented by male condoms - 80% and IC (intrauterine contraceptives) - 20%. It was established that there are no contraceptives such as the female condom, cervical cap and diaphragm on the Ukrainian CMD market, which significantly limits the choice of a female consumer. The general and segment indices of market monopolization in 2020 and 2022 were calculated. Based on them, progressive monopolistic tendencies were traced.

Examining the place of the female condom in India’s family planning program: A qualitative investigation of the attitudes and opinions of key stakeholders in Pune, India

BackgroundWith overpopulation contributing to the depletion of planetary resources, the high rates of unintended pregnancies in India are a cause for concern. Despite the free supply of contraception options within India’s national family planning initiatives, women are generally offered hormonal options as temporary spacing methods. However, female condoms, a much neglected but potent woman initiated, non-hormonal multipurpose prevention device, are yet to be considered for inclusion in India’s contraceptive cafeteria. Thus, we aim to examine the place of female condoms among the contraceptive options, by analysing the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding its advantages and disadvantages, along with their opinions on how female condoms should be promoted.MethodsWe used purposive sampling to recruit and interview potential users and dispensers of the female condom. The interview participants visited or worked at family planning clinics in Pune at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital (SKNMC-GH), its urban and rural outreach clinics, and at Saheli (a non-governmental organisation for female sex workers). We conducted semi-structured interviews and coded our data inductively.ResultsWe interviewed 5 rural women, 20 urban women (including 10 female sex workers), 5 male partners of female sex workers, and 5 family planning healthcare providers. Nearly half (12/25) of the women we interviewed, said that they were eager to use female condoms in the future. Many participants perceived female condoms to be an instrument to empower women to be in control of their sexual and reproductive lives (15/35), and that it provided user comfort and confidence (4/35). Their perceived disadvantages are that they are relatively more expensive (6/35), users have limited experience (9/35), and women who buy or use them may be stigmatised and feel embarrassed (4/35). Yet, nearly three-quarters of potential users (21/30) and most healthcare providers (4/5), were confident that female condoms could become popular following extensive promotional campaigns, interventions to improve availability and access, and initiatives to enhance the knowledge of female users.ConclusionsFemale condoms have garnered support from both users and dispensers and have the potential to be widely adopted in India if family planning initiatives which increase awareness, knowledge, and access are systematically undertaken as with other contraceptive options.

HIV Prevention Tools Across the Pregnancy Continuum: What Works, What Does Not, and What Can We Do Differently?

Multiple tools exist to support the primary prevention of HIV in pregnant and postpartum women; however, there are opportunities to enhance their use and impact. This review summarizes the current status of HIV prevention tools and existing gaps and opportunities to improve their use along the pregnancy care continuum. HIV screening efforts have steadily improved with close to universal screening of pregnant women in several East and Southern African countries. Strategies to implement partner testing through the distribution of HIV self-test kits are promising though linkage to care remains challenging. Syphilis screening rates are increasing though detection of other sexually transmitted infections could benefit from improved diagnostic capacity. Male and female condoms are rarely used and are often not the optimal tool of choice during pregnancy. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising tool, although barriers such as the need for daily adherence, side effects, and stigma may limit its use. There is a growing pipeline of PrEP agents with alternative delivery platforms that might suit women's preferences better and supports the notion that choice is vital to improving HIV prevention coverage during the pregnancy-postpartum continuum. Clear guidance on which tools to use and how to use them, safety data supporting their use, and surveillance data documenting the scale and effectiveness of the tools will be imperative in establishing a path to more impactful prevention efforts among pregnant and postpartum women.

Barriers and Enablers Influencing Women's Adoption and Continuation of Vaginally Inserted Contraceptive Methods: A Literature Review.

Most vaginally inserted methods have limited availability and use despite offering characteristics that align with many women's stated preferences (e.g., nonhormonal and/or on demand). The objective of this review was to identify enablers and barriers to women's adoption and continuation of vaginally inserted contraceptive methods in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). We searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and 18 websites using keywords related to five vaginally inserted contraceptive methods (diaphragm, vaginal ring, female condom, copper intrauterine device [IUD], hormonal IUD) and terms associated with their adoption and continuation. Searches were limited to resources published between January 2010 and September 2020. Studies eligible for inclusion in our review presented results on women's use and perspectives on the enablers and barriers to adoption and continuation of the vaginally inserted contraceptive methods of interest in LMICs. Relevant studies among women's partners were also included, but not those of providers or other stakeholders. Data were coded, analyzed, and disaggregated according to a framework grounded in family planning (FP) literature and behavioral theories common to FP research and program implementation. Our initial search yielded 13,848 results, with 182 studies ultimately included in the analysis. Across methods, we found common enablers for method adoption, including quality contraceptive counseling as well as alignment between a woman's preferences and a method's duration of use and side effect profile. Common barriers included a lack of familiarity with the methods and product cost. Notably, vaginal insertion was not a major barrier to adoption in the literature reviewed. Vaginally inserted methods of contraception have the potential to fill a gap in method offerings and expand choice. Programmatic actions should address key barriers and enable voluntary use.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Biomedical Intervention Strategies Employed towards the Mitigation of HIV Risky Sexual Behaviour among Students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Western Kenya

HIV has been a challenging health issue and a leading cause of ill health and demise at a global level. By the year 2017, 76.1 million people had contracted HIV worldwide, with around 38 million persons infected with HIV in the world during the year 2019 alone. The disaster furthermore stands among the top 10 deadliest epidemics throughout history and has had adverse effects on the human population since its discovery. Research studies have identified Institutions of Higher Learning, which host a significant proportion of youth, as fertile breeding grounds for HIV Risky Sexual Behaviour. As a consequence, this study assessed the effectiveness of biomedical intervention strategies employed towards the mitigation of HIV Risky Sexual Behaviour among students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Western Kenya. The study employed qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure triangulation and crosschecking of the research process. Employed were probability and non-probability sampling techniques generally and specifically, cluster sampling then simple random sampling. Chosen was a sample size of 399 students from a population of 13,002 students at seven institutions. Key informants were sampled purposively as follows; 5 NGO officials, 6 county government officials, 6 officials working in health care centers and 6 dean of students and 1 student counsellor. Selection of four Focus Group Discussions was purposive with each FGD having eight purposively selected student leaders from four institutions. An interview administered semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from students, an FGD guide for the FGDs and Key Informant interview guides for the key informants. Descriptive statistics, an index-score, qualitative analysis and chi-square and were done for analysis. The HIV Risky Sexual Behaviour index-score revealed that a majority 269 (67.4%) of the respondents are involved in HIGH HIV Risky Sexual Behaviours. From chi-square tests, regarding behavioural strategies, information provision and counselling and other forms of psycho-social support are found to be statistically significant with p-value = 0.007 and p-value = 0.080 respectively. The study concludes that HIV incidence and prevalence rates in these institutions are likely to double in the near future if stakeholders continue to apply mitigation strategies in the exact manner they are currently doing. The study recommends an enhancement of the provision of male and female condoms, HIV testing and counselling services, testing and treatment of STIs, provision of Needle and Syringe Programmes, provision of Opioid Substitution Therapy and promotion of VMMC. Keywords: Effectiveness, Biomedical intervention strategies, mitigation, HIV, Risky Sexual Behaviour among students in Institutions of Higher Learning DOI: 10.7176/ALST/94-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Dual contraceptives and associated predictors in HIV positive women: a case–control study

BackgroundPeople living with the human immune deficiency virus (PLHIV) are an important group to address HIV prevention. Mostly, 90% of the HIV cases in children are usually through mother-to-child transmission. Dual contraception (barrier condoms i.e., male, and female condoms) are one of the most effective ways to avoid HIV transmission. Thus, the present study was carried out to establish the predictors associated with the use of dual contraceptives in sexually active HIV positive women in Hossana, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based unmatched case–control study among randomly selected 312 sexually active HIV positive women was conducted from February 2021 to May 2021. The data were collected through structured questionnaire and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) cards considering the case-to-control ratio of 1:3. The information was coded, entered into Epi-Info7.0 and exported to SPSS 20.0 for further analysis. A P-value < 0.25 in bi-variate analysis was further processed for multi-variate analysis and P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA response rate of 97.2% was recorded. A significant difference was observed towards the use of dual contraceptives in sexually active HIV positive women living in urban vs rural areas (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.09–0.84), having sexual intercourse with a regular partner (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI = 1.48–9.55) and taking first initiation to use (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02–0.11).ConclusionThe determinants associated with lower use of dual contraceptives were residing in rural areas, sexual intercourse with a regular partner and low initiation rate at first time for use of dual contraceptives. Therefore, we strongly recommend that open discussion about sexually transmitted infections like HIV and their prevention, providing adequate facilities in rural areas can help to prevent HIV transmission and reduce the disease burden. The health professionals are encouraged to organize awareness campaigns in rural areas for use of dual contraceptives among PLHIV.

Uptake of modern family planning methods among women receiving spontaneous post abortion care at Kuajok hospital, South Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Improving women’s health through modern family planning to spontaneous post abortion care is a key to prevent unwanted pregnancy immediately after miscarriage, world health organization indicates that spacing for six months period following miscarriage prevent earlier pregnancy. South Sudan ranks the lowest country with the prevalence rate of 5.5% nationwide. This study helped to uncover the factors contribute to the low uptake of modern family planning options among spontaneous post abortion patients in Kuajok hospital, provide evidence to ministry of health, policy makers and health care providers to improve modern family planning services.Methods: study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional designed and data was collected from spontaneous post abortion patients to determine the prevalence in the study area.Results: Urban and rural have difference choice of modern family planning a total of 38.4% (481) of post abortion women had sort care at the hospital in the past one year revealed that they preferred modern family planning over the other methods. With a total of 17.9% (224) women utilized pills to manage their family sizes, while injectable accounted for 8.6% (108) used of modern family planning among spontaneous post abortion women in that year. The study also noted that male condom was equally popular as a preferred among population at 11.9% (149). Female condoms and cervical diaphragm were unpopular and none patients used them.Conclusions: Ministry of health, policy makers to increase awareness on modern family planning to spontaneous post abortions patients.

Pilot Implementation of a User-Driven, Web-Based Application Designed to Improve Sexual Health Knowledge and Communication Among Young Zambians: Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundDigital health interventions show promise in improving the uptake of HIV services among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 years in sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectiveThis study aimed to pilot-test a theory-based, empirically grounded web-based application designed to increase condom-related knowledge, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication, and healthier choices among young Zambians.MethodsWe conducted a pre-post quasi-experimental evaluation of the user-driven Be in the Know Zambia (BITKZ) web application using web-based surveys and in-depth interviews (IDIs) on the phone. We enrolled participants using social media advertisements. Our final analysis set comprised 46.04% (749/1627) of participants in the intervention group (which received the BITKZ link) and 53.96% (878/1627) of participants in the comparison group (no intervention). We collected survey data at study enrollment (baseline) and 5 weeks after the first enrollment in each group. Approximately 85% (637/749) of BITKZ users completed a user survey, of whom 9.3% (59/637) participated in IDIs. We calculated the time interfacing with BITKZ using the application log files. We conducted descriptive analyses to describe baseline characteristics and the user experience. At the endline, we assessed association using a t test and adjusted logistic regression for binary outcomes and ordinal regression for ordered outcomes, conditioning on age, sex, marital status, and employment status. We used adjusted average treatment effects (aATE) to assess the effects of BITKZ intervention. We conducted rapid matrix analyses of IDI transcripts in Microsoft Excel, sorting the data by theme, gender, and experience rating.ResultsUsers rated BITKZ highly (excellent: 352/609, 57.8%; good: 218/609, 35.8%). At the endline, the intervention group had a higher level of knowledge related to condoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.69) and on wearing condoms correctly (aOR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49). Those who had full-time employment had increased odds of knowing how to wear condoms correctly (aOR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.06-2.63) compared with those who reported being unemployed, as did men when compared with women (aOR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.59-2.31). Those in the intervention group were more likely to score higher for intention to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs; aATE 0.21; P=.01) and HIV (aATE 0.32; P=.05), as well as for resisting peer pressure (aATE 2.64; P=.02). IDIs corroborated increased knowledge on correct condom use among men and female condoms among women, awareness of STIs and testing, and resistance to peer pressure. Interviewees provided examples of more open SRH communication with partners and peers and of considering, adopting, and influencing others to adopt healthier behaviors.ConclusionsDespite the high baseline awareness of SRH among Zambian adolescents and young people with internet access, BITKZ provided modest gains in condom-related knowledge, resistance to peer pressure, and intention to test for STIs and HIV.

HIV /AIDs Knowledge and Factors Associated with Uptake of Contraceptives among Child Bearing Women in Bungoma County, Kenya

Uptake of contraceptives is generally low in Kenya.The study carried an investigation into the relationship between HIV/AIDs related knowledge and contraceptive uptake among married child-bearing women aged 15-34 .Female condom (FC) is the only safe and effective female-initiated method that provides simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Knowledge of FC use among women and the perceptions and attitudes towards condom use can contribute to its uptake as an important public health strategy for HIV prevention in Kenya. Despite its effectiveness, the female condom use among Child –bearing women in Kenya remains low. The results of the study identify high levels of AIDS-related knowledge among women in Kimilili Sub-county, Bungoma County, Kenya. Unfortunately, this knowledge is yet to translate into practical and more so increased condom use. It suggested that the use of rationale choice models in AIDS prevention programs may not be adequate to change people’s sexual behavior, especially in societies where the prevailing cultural practices and norms encourage large families and discourage use of contraceptives of any type. In such settings, there is need to find appropriate mechanisms that could help increase the use of all types of contraceptives. As contraceptive use increases, it is likely that the use of condoms for AIDs prevention and also family planning purpose would increase in Kenya.

Physiological Characterization of the Transporter-Mediated Uptake of the Reversible Male Contraceptive H2-Gamendazole Across the Blood-Testis Barrier.

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is formed by a tight network of Sertoli cells (SCs) to limit the movement of reproductive toxicants from the blood into the male genital tract. Transporters expressed at the basal membranes of SCs also influence the disposition of drugs across the BTB. The reversible, nonhormonal contraceptive, H2-gamendazole (H2-GMZ), is an indazole carboxylic acid analog that accumulates over 10 times more in the testes compared with other organs. However, the mechanism(s) by which H2-GMZ circumvents the BTB are unknown. This study describes the physiologic characteristics of the carrier-mediated process(es) that permit H2-GMZ and other analogs to penetrate SCs. Uptake studies were performed using an immortalized human SC line (hT-SerC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Uptake of H2-GMZ and four analogs followed Michaelis-Menten transport kinetics (one analog exhibited poor penetration). H2-GMZ uptake was strongly inhibited by indomethacin, diclofenac, MK-571, and several analogs. Moreover, H2-GMZ uptake was stimulated by an acidic extracellular pH, reduced at basic pHs, and independent of extracellular Na+, K+, or Cl- levels, which are intrinsic characteristics of OATP-mediated transport. Therefore, the characteristics of H2-GMZ transport suggest that one or more OATPs may be involved. However, endogenous transporter expression in wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), and human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells limited the utility of heterologous transporter expression to identify a specific OATP transporter. Altogether, characterization of the transporters involved in the flux of H2-GMZ provides insight into the selectivity of drug disposition across the human BTB to understand and overcome the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic difficulties presented by this barrier. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite major advancements in female contraceptives, male alternatives, including vasectomy, condom usage, and physical withdrawal, are antiquated and the widespread availability of nonhormonal, reversible chemical contraceptives is nonexistent. Indazole carboxylic acid analogs such as H2-GMZ are promising new reversible, antispermatogenic drugs that are highly effective in rodents. This study characterizes the carrier-mediated processes that permit H2-GMZ and other drugs to enter Sertoli cells and the observations made here will guide the development of drugs that effectively circumvent the BTB.

Awareness on Efficacy and Side Effects of Female Contraceptives among Nursing Undergraduates at KIU, Sri Lanka

Unplanned pregnancies have rapidly emerged as a social issue that significantly degrades the quality of life of parents and children. Therefore, nurses, being a vital part of the health system, should be well-aware regarding contraceptive methods. The objective of the study was to assess awareness of safety, efficacy, and side effects of female contraceptives among nursing undergraduates at KAATSU International University (KIU). Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 undergraduate nurses studying at KIU, Sri Lanka, using a convenient sampling method. The data were collected using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire that consisted of four parts; demographic variables, safety, efficacy and side effects related questions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test. Out of total, 74.6% (n=270) of the participants had an average awareness regarding different types of female contraceptives and 74.5% (n=270) had average awareness (40-59.9%) regarding major side effects of female contraceptives while the awareness regarding efficacy of different contraceptive methods was found to be only 37% (n=134) related to female condom. Overall, the study revealed that majority of nurses had an average awareness regarding the safety and main side effects of female contraceptive methods, further they had a had a low level of awareness on efficacy of female contraceptive methods. Therefore, it is important to enhance nurses’ awareness related to modern female contraceptive methods.

Utilisation of the Female Condom by Women in Chainda catchment area of Lusaka District, Zambia

Utilisation of the Female Condom by Women in Chainda catchment area of Lusaka District, Zambia

A Survey of Knowledge and use of Modern Contraceptives among Female Students in a Public University in Ghana

Introduction: Studies have shown that knowledge of contraceptives, especially among undergraduate female students, remains limited and the rate of premarital unprotected sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, and illegal abortions remain higher among university students in Ghana.&#x0D; Aim: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and use of modern contraceptives among female undergraduate students at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive survey design was adopted as the framework for the study. A purposive sampling method was used to deploy 108 sexually active female undergraduate students from a department in the Faculty of Science Education using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS, Version 25) and presented using quantitative metrics.&#x0D; Results and discussion: The results of the study showed that the majority of the respondents (89.8%) have heard about a modern contraceptive method. 57.4% of the respondents reported that they used contraceptives in the past, while 36 (58.1%) were current contraceptive users. The most popular methods of contraception used were pills (96.9%), female condoms (72.2%), and injectable (52.6%). The main sources of information about contraceptives were found to be social media and followed by peers, radio/TV, and health workers. Reasons that most influenced the decision of respondents to use modern contraceptives included knowledge of modern contraceptives, availability of service points, partner support, and religious beliefs. Even though participants were sexually active, the rate of contraceptive use was found to be relatively low.&#x0D; Conclusion: Even though the majority of the respondent knew of a particular contraceptive, a significant number of them were found not utilising it. There is the need for active promotion of modern contraceptives among female university students to bridge the gap between knowledge and use.

"I expected little, although I learned a lot": perceived benefits of participating in HIV risk reduction sessions among women engaged in sex work in Uganda

BackgroundThe global HIV burden remains a public health concern. Women engaged in sex work (WESW) are at higher risk of acquiring HIV compared to the general adult population. Uganda reports high rates of HIV prevalence among WESW. While WESW in Uganda have long been the subject of surveillance studies, they have not been targeted by theory-informed HIV prevention intervention approaches. In this study, we explored the perceived benefits of an evidence-based HIV risk reduction intervention that was implemented as part of a combination intervention tested in a clinical trial in Uganda.MethodsAs part of a larger randomized clinical trial, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 WESW selected using a stratified purposive sampling. All interviews were conducted in Luganda, language spoken in the study area, and audio-recorded. They were transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsWESW’s narratives focused on: (1) condom use; (2) alcohol/drug consumption; (3) PrEP use; (4) “handling” customers; and (5) "massaging” customers. WESW agreed that male condom was one of the important learning points for them and planned to continue using them while female condoms were received with mixed reactions. Many women appreciated receiving information about the risks of consuming alcohol and drugs, and discussed how they reduced/ eliminated their consumption. PrEP information was appreciated though identified by fewer WESW. Handling a client was discussed as a helpful strategy for safer sex through improved ability to convince customers to use condoms or avoiding sex. Massaging was also beneficial to avoid penetrative sex, but similar to female condom, massaging also yielded mixed perceptions.ConclusionWESW found the intervention beneficial and described ways in which it improved their ability to engage in safer sex and stay healthy. The fact that WESW identified other strategies beyond condom use as helpful underlines the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to behavioral interventions targeting HIV prevention even when combined with other interventions. Additionally, WESW’s narratives suggest that incorporating the tenets of social cognitive theory and harm reduction approaches in HIV prevention among this population can result in risk behavior change.

Contraceptive Usage Status and its Associated Factors among Adolescents in the Kwahu South District, Eastern Region of Ghana

Unwanted pregnancies account for roughly 30% of all pregnancies in Ghana. Availability of contraceptives and usage is essential to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 3.7 which calls for universal access to contraception for use by people of all ages by 2030. The study aims to assess contraceptive usage and associated factors among adolescents in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region of Ghana.&#x0D; The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Adolescents were drawn using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were run and results were presented in tables and graphs. The statistically significant p-value was pegged at less than 0.05.&#x0D; Almost all (97.9%) respondents have heard of contraceptives with the media being the common source of information (52.5%). The male condom (57.6%), oral pills (53.5%) and the female condom (46.9%) were the commonly known contraceptives. The majority (77.1%) knew where to get contraceptives. Common sources of contraceptives included the pharmacy (57.3%) and hospitals (37.2%). Significant differences exist between usage of contraceptives and age(p&lt;0.001), religion (p= 0.042) and having a partner(p&lt;0.001). Age (18 years) (AOR= 3.01, 95%CI (1.17-7.73)) and having a partner (AOR= 0.05, 95%CI (0.02-0.14)) were positively associated with current contraceptive use.&#x0D; Targeted public health interventions in the form of education and promotion are desirable to create awareness among adolescents who do not know about contraceptives and improve understanding of the safety of other contraceptive methods aside from male condoms and oral pills.