Exploring the condom gap: is supply or demand the limiting factor - condom access and use in an urban and a rural setting in Kilifi district, Kenya

AIDS. 2011 Jan 14;25(2):247-55. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328341b9b8.

Abstract

Objective: to explore the extent of the condom gap, investigating the relative roles of supply-side and demand-side factors in determining condom use.

Design: GPS mapping of condom outlets, and population-based survey.

Methods: an urban and a rural site were selected within the Epidemiological and Demographic Surveillance Site in Kilifi district, Kenya. Potential condom outlets (n = 281) were mapped and surveyed, and questionnaires on condom access and use (n = 630) were administered to a random sample of men and women aged 15-49. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the relative roles of supply-side and demand-side barriers on condom use.

Results: the median straight-line distance to free condoms was 18-fold higher in the rural versus urban site. Among sexually active respondents, 42% had ever used a condom, and 23% had used a condom over the past 12 months, with lower levels among rural versus urban respondents (P < 0.05). The mean number of condoms used was 2.2/person per year among all sexually active individuals (condom users and nonusers), amounting to 8.2% protected sex acts/person per year. The adjusted odds of condom use (past 12 months) were 8.1 times greater among individuals experiencing no supply-side or demand-side barriers, compared with individuals experiencing both types of barriers. Despite low levels of usage and the presence of supply-side and demand-side barriers, reported unmet need for condoms was low.

Conclusions: there is an urgent need for renewed condom promotion efforts aimed at building demand, in addition to improving physical access, in resource-limited settings with generalized HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Condoms / supply & distribution
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / standards*
  • Humans
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Young Adult