Acceptability of condom promotion and distribution among 10–19 year-old adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts, Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundThe HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a leading challenge for global health. Although condoms are acknowledged for their key role on preventing HIV transmission, low and inappropriate use of condoms persists in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa. This study assesses factors affecting acceptability of condom promotion and distribution among adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts of Tanzania.MethodsData were collected in 2011 as part of a larger cross-sectional survey on condom use among 10–19 year-olds in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural districts of Tanzania using a structured questionnaire. Associations between acceptability of condom promotion and distribution and each of the explanatory variables were tested using Chi Square. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine independent predictors of the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution using STATA (11) statistical software at 5% significance level.ResultsMean age of the 1,327 adolescent participants (50.5% being males) was 13.5 years (SD = 1.4). Acceptance of condom promotion and distribution was found among 37% (35% in Mpwapwa and 39% in Mbeya rural) of the adolescents. Being sexually active and aged 15–19 was the strongest predictor of the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution (OR = 7.78, 95% CI 4.65-12.99). Others were; not agreeing that a condom is effective in preventing transmissions of STIs including HIV (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.56), being a resident of Mbeya rural district (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.19), feeling comfortable being seen by parents/guardians holding/buying condoms (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.40-3.46) and living with a guardian (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.08-2.04).ConclusionAcceptability of condom promotion and distribution among adolescents in Mpwapwa and Mbeya rural is low. Effect of sexual activity on the acceptability of condom promotion and distribution is age-dependent and was the strongest. Feeling comfortable being seen by parents/guardians buying or holding condoms, perceived ability of condoms to offer protection against HIV/AIDS infections, district of residence and living arrangements also offered significant predictive effect. Knowledge of these factors is vital in designing successful and sustainable condom promotion and distribution programs in Tanzania.

Covariates of condom use in South Africa: findings from a national population-based survey in 2008

“…These findings were expected as Black Africans, who form the largest racial group nationally and also mostly live in the three locality types identified above, have a HIV prevalence that is 17 times higher than that found among both whites and Indians (Shisana et al, 2009). The lower rates of condom use by female respondents from rural formal areas are most probably due to the both low supply and low demand in rural formal areas (Exavery et al, 2012;SANAC, 2011).…”

Determinants of demand for condoms to prevent HIV infections among barmaids and guesthouse workers in two districts, Tanzania

“…These factors are important as they act as determinants of demand apart from the status of availability of such products that tends to vary from one geographical area to another [ 32 – 34 ]. Thus, given their locations in different regions that are far apart from each other, the reports on these districts showed different socio-economic characteristics and HIV prevalence rates between them [ 31 ]. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rates were lately reported to be 9.2 and 3.3 % for Mbeya Region and Dodoma Region, respectively [ 25 ].…”

“…The HIV/AIDS prevalence rates were lately reported to be 9.2 and 3.3 % for Mbeya Region and Dodoma Region, respectively [ 25 ]. Nevertheless, specific data for each district was not yet documented officially at the time of the present study was being conceived and designed [ 31 ].…”

“…That is why the Global Fund Round 8 Secretariat in Tanzania approved and funded the proposal for the currently reported study attempting to explore, among other things, the demand related determinants of condom use among the barmaids and guesthouse workers in two districts located in two different regions in Tanzania in 2011. Additional findings relating to the school children’s perceptions and utilization of condoms coupled with assessment of their views regarding the availability, affordability and acceptability of condoms in the same study districts have already been documented [ 31 ].…”

“…The messages coming from systematic studies are likely to help answer the outstanding question and guide the national AIDS control Program (NACP) to plan and implement more effective interventions. Among the evidence needed is that helping to elucidate the determinants of condom supply and demand for condoms and then give feedback to the authorities responsible for planning and implementing desirable interventions [ 30 , 31 ]. That is why the Global Fund Round 8 Secretariat in Tanzania approved and funded the proposal for the currently reported study attempting to explore, among other things, the demand related determinants of condom use among the barmaids and guesthouse workers in two districts located in two different regions in Tanzania in 2011.…”