Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Barriers of Condom Use among HIV Positive Women at Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Anne G Macharia, Yeri Kombe, Peter Mwaniki and Michael Habtu

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the key public health concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya. Consistent condom use is crucial especially among HIV positive people to prevent HIV transmission as well as re-infection with different resistant virus strain. It is important to identify the obstacles of condom use among HIV positive individuals in order to constitute preventive measures. Thus, the study was conducted to explore barriers and challenges of condom use among women living with HIV attending Comprehensive Care Centre of Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya. We conducted qualitative method of data collection using three focus group discussions and ten key informant interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Descriptive quotes representing key themes were identified and then analysed thematically. The result indicated that the main barriers of condom use were inability to negotiate in condom use, fear of mistrust, nondisclosure of HIV positive status to partner, alcohol use, and reduced sexual pleasure. In addition, among the negative beliefs and misconceptions identified as barriers of condom use were feeling promiscuous for carrying condoms, religion (being Catholic) and perceived pores in condoms. HIV positive women face many challenges in using condoms and the specific areas of focus should include the barriers mentioned above.