Introduction
Correct and consistent condom use remains the most effective way to reduce Sexually Transmitted Infection including HIV. Understanding the predictors of condom use among women and the perceived willingness of their partners to consider condom use, can contribute to the uptake of condoms as an important public health strategy for HIV prevention in rural Ghana.
Methods
This was an exploratory cross-sectional study on condom use among pregnant women in Kintampo of rural Ghana. The study explored the relationship between condom use and individual, partner and providerrelated factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Results
An increase in the level of education increased with the increasing odds of condom use. Number of children (More than one child (OR=0.1, 95% CI 0.07-0.30), partners approval (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.01-0.05), ability to ask partner for HIV testing (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.27-0.79), religion (Christians OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.22-3.69), occupation, perceived threat to get another wife (OR=11, 95% CI 1.13-105), type of provider (chemical shop/pharmacy OR=0.2, 95%CI 0.006-0.47, provision shop OR=1.1, 95%CI 0.03-0.47) and provider characteristics (age OR=0.1 95%CI 0.07-0.28, sex OR=2.6, 95%CI1.73-4.03) were associated with condom use. Qualitative results indicated unwillingness to use condoms was associated with sexual pleasure, mistrust and provider characteristics.
Conclusion
This study emphasises the need to empower women through education to increase their self-assertiveness to view condom use as a shared responsibility of both partners.
Recommendation
Condom promotion programs should target women and their partners in rural areas since their partners exert great influence on the decision to use condoms.