Attitudes towards adoption and usage of the female condom among young female adults in the main campus of the University of Nairobi

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes of young female adults towards the adoption of the female condom (FC) and whether these attitudes affect its adoption and usage among them. The study was conducted in the Main Campus of the University of Nairobi, with the main objective being to assess the attitudes to adoption and usage of the female condom among the young female adults in the University. The specific objectives of the study were: To identify the attitudes of young female adults towards the adoption of the female condom and to determine whether these attitudes affect adoption and use of the condom. Field work was conducted between March and April 2010. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. Purposive and snow-ball sampling were used to select a sample of 45 young female adults who were subjected to in-depth interviews. Convenient sampling was used to select the key informants.

The data were categorized into themes for easy analysis. They were tabulated and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. The study findings suggest that there are risky sexual relationships in Main Campus. The attitudes among the young females have led to low adoption usage of FC due to stigmatization affecting promotion strategies. Stigmatization has also affected the communication skills of FC. FC usage was largely determined by cultural norms and beliefs, misconceptions, socialization and lack of information. The study concludes that the introduction of the FC should be done along the socialization process with proper communication and motivation towards adoption and this will greatly enhance acceptability and usage it therefore recommends that if FC could be promoted and advocated for strategically the young females' attitudes and fears could be arrested, hence increase its adoption and usage.