Knowledge, Acceptability and Barriers to Female Condom Use among Women Visiting Kisumu East SubCounty Hospital

Knowledge, Acceptability and Barriers to Female Condom Use among Women Visiting Kisumu East SubCounty Hospital

Chantal Akumuntu – Maseno University, Kenya – School of Public Health and Community Development
Anna Mbangukira – Adventist University of Central Africa, Kigali School of Nursing
Corresponding Author: chantalakumuntu@gmail.com

Received Septermber 14, 2020; Revised Septermber 26, 2020; Accepted September 27, 2020

Abstract: Women account for more than a half of all people living with HIV worldwide. This has promted prevention actions targeting women. Female condom is one of the prevention measures that provide simultaneous protection against unpregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Despite its introduction in 1993, its knowledge and acceptability remains limited mostly in developing countries literature. The main objective of this study was to assess knowledge, acceptability and barriers to female condom among women visiting Kisumu East Sub-County Hospital. The sample size was 438 selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that despite most women having heard and seen the female condom, a significant number had no knowledge about it at all; most women were willing to use it if had knowledge about it; dificulties in inserting it, holding it during the sex intercourse, making noise during sex intercourse, and lack of its availability were some of the barriers faced. It was concluded that knowledge and awareness of the female condom use and acceptance was insufficient despite technical barriers faced in using it. Female condom knowledge was very important factor in its usage for family planning and STIs prevention at Kisumu East Sub-County Hospital. The study recommended intervention strategies regarding more education, accessibility and availability of the female condom to majority women in their localities as an effort to increase knowledge, acceptability and usage of female condom in Kisumu East Sub-County.