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A qualitative assessment of young women's experience with the female condom in Durban, South Africa
Durban, South Africa
Methods This is a qualitative study that draws on 15 in-depth interviews with young women aged 18 to 30 years who had ever used the female condom.
Results The findings highlight a number of factors that facilitate and inhibit female condom use. Protection from sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and pregnancy prevention facilitates the use of the device. In addition, students expressed positive attitudes towards the female condom and prefer it over other contraceptive methods because it offers them dual protection. Absence of side effects, and greater power and autonomy to initiate safer sex are other factors that facilitate use. Inadequate availability, partner objection, stigma, insertion difficulties, and lack of awareness serve as significant barriers to consistent female condom use.
Conclusion Although female condom use involves negotiation with their partners, the fact is that it offers women independent method of protection gives them more power and also,
increases their ability to control their sexual and reproductive health. However, there is a need for greater availability of the female condom.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationProvision of health care to the public
Learning Objectives:
Identify factors facilitating and inhibiting female condom use among young women
Keyword(s): Contraception, Behavioral Research
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a PhD in Epidemiology and Population Health. I am currently an associate professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. I have written extensively on sexual and reproductive health issues (including contraception).
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.