[The woman's status and condom use in Cameroon]

The reasons for the high prevalence of STDs/HIV/AIDS among women are biological, economical and social. It is therefore necessary to carry out studies on the status of women and condom use in order to elucidate the mechanism through which the first variable affects the second. Such studies will also identify the elements to be taken into consideration in the prevention programmes of these diseases in women. In the year 2000, a survey on culture, gender, social behaviour and STDs/AIDS was conducted in Cameroun at Mbalmayo (Central Province) and at Bafoussam (Western Provience) among 1679 men and women of 15-49 years old. Multivariate logistic regression models were used, among others, to show that the woman's status has direct and indirect effects on condom use via age disparity between partners, frequency of discussion among couples on sexuality and the process of decision-making. Results obtained confirm this hypothesis. Communication among couples as well as women empowerment should, therefore, be improved as a strategy for considerably increasing the use of condom among Camerounian women. One of the ways to achieve this is to improve their status. Another way is to assist them during enlightenment campaigns to improve their self-perfection.