Knowledge, accessibility and use of female condoms in Dar es salaam city, Tanzania: a case study of Dar es salaam City

Since the spread of HIV epidemic and the rapid increase of population in the world and Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, the use of a protective devices such as condom has been the major concern in overcoming these problems. Use of female condoms has been considered as the women protective measure against STDs and pregnancy, as it is controlled by women and gives them power to negotiate safe sex. However, in many situations women sexual behavior is controlled by men. It is for this reason that this study was to examine the knowledge, accessibility and use of female condom in Dar es Salaam city. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A total of 384 men and women aged 15-49 were covered in Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke municipalities. This study reveals that knowledge about female condom is high (98 percent) but the use is low. Only 20.3 percent of respondents admitted to have used or currently using the female condom. About 46.6 percent reported to have access to female condoms every time they want to use it. It is recommended that both governmental and non-governmental organizations should educate people on the use of female condoms throughout the country, especially in rural areas, and that deliberate efforts should be made to ensure accessibility and availability of female condoms near people.