Consistent condom use among Botswana's female population and associated factors

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Botswana faces a high HIV/AIDS burden, with persistent HIV incidence among women.
• Despite prevention campaigns, consistent condom use remains suboptimal.
• Condoms are crucial for HIV prevention, yet their usage is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate individual, relationship, and community factors associated with consistent condom use among women in Botswana.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for consistent condom use in the context of HIV prevention.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of data from a 2012 national survey on Gender-Based Violence Indicators.
• Cross-sectional study involving 480 sexually experienced women aged 18+.
• Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for community random effects.

Main Results:

• Only 43% of women reported consistent condom use in the past year.
• Consistent condom use was associated with employment (AOR=1.77).
• Factors associated with lower consistent condom use included cohabitation (AOR=0.46), non-Christian beliefs (AOR=0.52), fear of partner's anger (AOR=0.19), and community norms regarding women's work (AOR=0.56).

Conclusions:

• Consistent condom use among Botswana women is suboptimal.
• Employment enhances consistent condom use, while cohabitation, certain beliefs, partner-related fears, and gender inequitable community norms reduce it.
• Interventions should integrate female economic empowerment, accessible information, and community engagement to promote healthy sexual practices and condom use.