Socio-demographic and individual factors influencing female condom use among women aged 18-49 years at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jq2dzs78Keywords:
Socio-demographic and individual factors, female condom use, Mubende regional referral hospitalAbstract
Background: Female condoms offer unique, female-controlled dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This study assessed socio-demographic and individual factors influencing female condom utilization among women aged 18-49 years at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 100 women aged 18-49 years attending outpatient, ANC, PNC, and FP clinics were selected. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, analyzed using SPSS version 26, and presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Respondents were predominantly young, 90(90% aged 18-35 years, married or cohabiting, 86 (86%), and educated to at least secondary level, 75(75%). Key barriers to utilization included: Socio-demographic: Lack of male partner support, 79(79%), and unaffordability at nearby facilities, 88(88%). Individual factors: Lack of knowledge on correct usage 73(73%), low confidence in partner persuasion 55(55%), and preference for male condoms 70(70%). While 75(75% believed female condoms are effective, only 20(20% intended future use.
Conclusions: Female condom utilization is low, driven by poor knowledge, lack of male support, and unaffordability.
Recommendations: Conduct practical demonstrations, integrate couple counseling, and strengthen supply lines. The district health team must decentralize free distribution to HC II/III levels and engage community leaders.
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