1
|
Mubyazi GM, Exavery A, Tenu F, Massaga JJ, Rugemalila J, Malebo HM, Wiketye V, Makundi EA, Ikingura JK, Mushi AK, Malekia SE, Mziray A, Ogondiek JW, Kahwa A, Kafuye MM, Malecela MN. Determinants of demand for condoms to prevent HIV infections among barmaids and guesthouse workers in two districts, Tanzania. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:630. [PMID: 26526184 PMCID: PMC4630838 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condoms are scientifically recommended as potential products for preventing infections attributable to human immuno-deficiency viruses (HIV). However, evidence on factors leading to their inadequate use in developing countries is still scanty. This paper reports an exploratory study of factors constraining condoms use in Tanzania from the perspectives of barmaids, guest-house workers and retailers. METHODS Data were collected in two districts-Mpwapwa in Dodoma Region and Mbeya Rural in Mbeya Region-between October and December 2011, using structured interviews with 238 individuals including barmaids, guesthouse workers and 145 retailers. Data analysis was performed using STATA 11 software. RESULTS Awareness about condoms was high among all study groups. Male condoms were more popular and available than female ones. A considerable proportion of the barmaids and guesthouses were disappointed with condoms being promoted and distributed to young children and disliked condom use during sexual intercourse. Accessibility of condoms was reported as being lowered by condom prices, shortage of information concerning their availability; short supply of condoms; some people shying away to be watched by children or adult people while purchasing condoms; retailers' using bad languages to condom customers; occasionally condom shops/kiosks found closed when they are urgently needed; and prevailing social perception of condoms to have low/no protective efficacy. Regression analysis of data from barmaids and guesthouse-workers indicated variations in the degree of condom acceptability and methods used to promote condoms among respondents with different demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION A combination of psychosocial and economic factors was found contributing to lower the demand for and actual use of condoms in study communities. Concerted measures for promoting condom use need to address the demand challenges and making operational research an integral element of monitoring and evaluation of the launched interventions, hence widening the evidence for informed policy decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey M Mubyazi
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Amon Exavery
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), P.O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Filemoni Tenu
- Amani Medical Research Centre (MRC), P.O Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania.
| | - Julius J Massaga
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Jovitha Rugemalila
- National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), P.O Box 796, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Hamisi M Malebo
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Victor Wiketye
- NIMR Ngongongare Research Station, Usa River, P.O Box 514, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Emmanuel A Makundi
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Joyce K Ikingura
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Adiel K Mushi
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Sia E Malekia
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Abubakary Mziray
- Amani Medical Research Centre (MRC), P.O Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania.
| | - John W Ogondiek
- NIMR Ngongongare Research Station, Usa River, P.O Box 514, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Amos Kahwa
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, P.O Box 5004, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Mwanaidi M Kafuye
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Mwelecele N Malecela
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P.O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tran BR, Thomas AG, Vaida F, Ditsela M, Phetogo R, Kelapile D, Haubrich R, Chambers C, Shaffer R. An intervention study examining the effects of condom wrapper graphics and scent on condom use in the Botswana Defence Force. AIDS Care 2013; 26:890-8. [PMID: 24266459 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.860420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Free condoms provided by the government are often not used by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) personnel due to a perceived unpleasant scent and unattractive wrapper. Formative work with the BDF found that scented condoms and military-inspired (camouflage) wrapper graphics were appealing to personnel. A non-randomized intervention study was implemented to determine whether condom wrapper graphics and scent improved condom use in the BDF. Four military sites were selected for participation. Two sites in the south received the intervention condom wrapped in a generic wrapper and two sites in the north received the intervention condom wrapped in a military-inspired wrapper; intervention condoms were either scented or unscented. Two hundred and eleven male soldiers who ever had sex, aged 18-30 years, and stationed at one of the selected sites consented to participate. Sexual activity and condom use were measured pre- and post-intervention using sexual behavior diaries. A condom use rate (CUR; frequency of protected sex divided by the total frequency of sex) was computed for each participant. Mean CURs significantly increased over time (85.7% baseline vs. 94.5% post-intervention). Adjusted odds of condom use over time were higher among participants who received the intervention condom packaged in the military wrapper compared with the generic wrapper. Adjusted odds of condom use were also higher for participants who reported using scented vs. unscented condoms. Providing scented condoms and condoms packaged in a military-inspired wrapper may help increase condom use and reduce HIV infection among military personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Robin Tran
- a Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program , Naval Health Research Center , San Diego , CA , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tran BR, Thomas AG, Ditsela M, Vaida F, Phetogo R, Kelapile D, Chambers C, Haubrich R, Shaffer R. Condom use behaviours and correlates of use in the Botswana Defence Force. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 24:883-92. [PMID: 23970609 DOI: 10.1177/0956462413486889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Preventing HIV infection is a priority for militaries. HIV prevention research is needed to monitor existing programme, identify areas for modification, and develop new interventions. Correct and consistent condom use is highly effective against HIV. However, use among soldiers is lower than ideal. This study describes condom use behaviours and examines correlates of use in the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). Analyses were based on 211 male BDF personnel, aged 18-30, who completed a cross-sectional survey that collected baseline data for an intervention study. Results showed that 51% of participants reported always using condoms, 35% used condoms most times, and 14% used condoms occasionally/never. Condom use varied by partner type and was typically higher with casual partners in comparison to regular partners. After adjustment for age and marital status, factors associated with lower condom use included excessive alcohol use, perception that using condoms reduce sexual pleasure, and having a trusted partner. However, higher levels of HIV knowledge and reports of being circumcised were protective against lower condom use. HIV interventions aimed at increasing condom use in the BDF should address condom perceptions, alcohol abuse, and issues of trust. Innovative ways to increase condom use in this population should also be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Robin Tran
- Naval Health Research Center, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Exavery A, Kanté AM, Jackson E, Noronha J, Sikustahili G, Tani K, Mushi HP, Baynes C, Ramsey K, Hingora A, Phillips JF. Role of condom negotiation on condom use among women of reproductive age in three districts in Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:1097. [PMID: 23256530 PMCID: PMC3585459 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV/AIDS remains being a disease of great public health concern worldwide. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where women are disproportionately infected with HIV, women are reportedly less likely capable of negotiating condom use. However, while knowledge of condom use for HIV prevention is extensive among men and women in many countries including Tanzania, evidence is limited about the role of condom negotiation on condom use among women in rural Tanzania. Methods Data originate from a cross-sectional survey of random households conducted in 2011 in Rufiji, Kilombero and Ulanga districts in Tanzania. The survey assessed health-seeking behaviour among women and children using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 2,614 women who were sexually experienced and aged 15-49 years were extracted from the main database for the current analysis. Linkage between condom negotiation and condom use at the last sexual intercourse was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results Prevalence of condom use at the last sexual intercourse was 22.2% overall, ranging from12.2% among married women to 54.9% among unmarried (single) women. Majority of the women (73.4%) reported being confident to negotiate condom use, and these women were significantly more likely than those who were not confident to have used a condom at the last sexual intercourse (OR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.22-4.41). This effect was controlled for marital status, age, education, religion, number of sexual partners, household wealth and knowledge of HIV prevention by condom use. Conclusion Confidence to negotiate condom use is a significant predictor of actual condom use among women in rural Tanzania. Women, especially unmarried ones, those in multiple partnerships or anyone needing protection should be empowered with condom negotiation skills for increased use of condoms in order to enhance their sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amon Exavery
- Ifakara Health Institute-IHI, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Davidoff-Gore A, Luke N, Wawire S. Dimensions of poverty and inconsistent condom use among youth in urban Kenya. AIDS Care 2011; 23:1282-90. [PMID: 21562992 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2011.555744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To date, research on the link between poverty and unsafe sexual behaviors has utilized limited measures of socioeconomic status and has overlooked key dimensions of poverty at the individual level. This study explored how various dimensions of socioeconomic status are associated with inconsistent condom use and how these associations vary by gender. We analyzed unique life history survey data from 261 young men and women in Kisumu, Kenya, and conducted analyses based on 959 person-months in which respondents had been sexually active in nonmarital relationships. Dependent variables were inconsistent condom use (not always using a condom) and never use of condoms. Condoms were used inconsistently in 57% of months and were never used in 31%. Corroborating existing literature, lower household wealth and lower educational attainment were associated with inconsistent condom use. Lower individual economic status (lower earned income, food insufficiency, and larger material transfers from partners) were also important determinants of inconsistent condom use. There were no significant differences in these associations by gender, with the exception of food insufficiency, which increased the risk of inconsistent condom use for young women but not for young men. None of these individual measures of socioeconomic status were associated with never use of a condom. The findings suggest that both household- and individual-level measures of socioeconomic status are important correlates of condom use and that individual economic resources play a crucial role in negotiations over the highest level of usage. The results highlight the importance of poverty in shaping sexual behavior, and, in particular, that increasing individual access to resources beyond the household, including ensuring access to food and providing educational and work opportunities, could prove to be effective strategies for decreasing the risk of HIV among youth.
Collapse
|
6
|
Msisha WM, Kapiga SH, Earls F, Subramanian SV. Socioeconomic status and HIV seroprevalence in Tanzania: a counterintuitive relationship. Int J Epidemiol 2008; 37:1297-303. [PMID: 18820319 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyn186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between multiple dimensions of socioeconomic status (SES) and HIV seroprevalence in Tanzania. METHODS Using a large nationally representative sample of 7515 sexually active adults drawn from the 2003-04 Tanzania HIV/AIDS Indicator Survey, we analysed the relationship between multiple SES measures and HIV seroprevalence using weighted logistic regression models. RESULTS In adjusted models, individuals in the highest quintile of standard of living had increased odds ratio (OR) of being HIV-positive (male: OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.17-4.82; female: OR 3.74, 95% CI 2.16-6.49). Occupational status was differentially associated with HIV in men and women; women in professional jobs had higher OR of being HIV-positive (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02-2.38), whereas unemployed men had higher risk of being HIV-positive (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.43-8.58). No marked association was found between increasing education and HIV seroprevalence for men (P = 0.83) and women (P = 0.87). CONCLUSION Contrary to the prevailing perception that low SES individuals tend to be more vulnerable to HIV-infection, we found a positive association between standard of living and HIV-infection. Strategies aimed at reducing HIV-infection needs to be cognizant of the complex social heterogeneity in the patterns of HIV-infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wezi M Msisha
- Europe and Central Asia Human Development Sector, The World Bank, Washington DC, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
FOGLIA G, SATEREN W, RENZULLO P, BAUTISTA C, LANGAT L, WASUNNA M, SINGER D, SCOTT P, ROBB M, BIRX D. High prevalence of HIV infection among rural tea plantation residents in Kericho, Kenya. Epidemiol Infect 2008; 136:694-702. [PMID: 17599780 PMCID: PMC2870854 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268807009028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemiology among residents of a rural agricultural plantation in Kericho, Kenya was studied. HIV-1 prevalence was 14.3%, and was higher among women (19.1%) than men (11.3%). Risk factors associated with HIV-1 for men were age (>or=25 years), marital history (one or more marriages), age difference from current spouse (>or=5 years), Luo ethnicity, sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms in the past 6 months, circumcision (protective), and sexual activity (>or=7 years). Among women, risk factors associated with HIV-1 were age (25-29 years, >or=35 years), marital history (one or more marriages), age difference from current spouse (>or=10 years), Luo ethnicity, STI symptoms in the past 6 months, and a STI history in the past 5 years. Most participants (96%) expressed a willingness to participate in a future HIV vaccine study. These findings will facilitate targeted intervention and prevention measures for HIV-1 infection in Kericho.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. FOGLIA
- U.S. Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - W. B. SATEREN
- Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - P. O. RENZULLO
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C. T. BAUTISTA
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - L. LANGAT
- U.S. Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - D. E. SINGER
- Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - P. T. SCOTT
- Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - M. L. ROBB
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - D. L. BIRX
- Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|