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A qualitative exploration of female condom use among female university students in Durban, South Africa.

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dc.contributor.advisorMaharaj, Pranitha.
dc.contributor.authorMahlalela, Nomsa Brightness.
dc.date.accessioned2016-11-04T10:22:19Z
dc.date.available2016-11-04T10:22:19Z
dc.date.created2014
dc.date.issued2014
dc.descriptionMasters of Population Studies.en_US
dc.description.abstractIn South Africa, the high levels of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy among young people especially women represent huge public health concerns. The female condom is the only available female-initiated device to give women protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV as well as pregnancy. Although efforts have been made to raise population awareness on female condom use, studies suggest low levels of female condom use in South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore the factors that facilitate and inhibit the use of female condoms among female university students. This is a qualitative study that drew on fifteen individual in-depth interviews with female condom users in Durban, South Africa. The results of the study highlight several factors that facilitate and inhibit the use of the female condom. Protection from sexually transmitted infections including HIV and pregnancy prevention facilitates the use of the device. In addition, students express positive attitudes towards the female condom and prefer it over other contraceptive methods because it offers them dual protection. Other factors that facilitate use include absence of side effects, and greater power and autonomy to initiate safer sex. Inadequate availability, partner objection, stigma, insertion difficulties, and lack of awareness serve as significant barriers to the consistent use of the female condom. Despite the wide availability of the female condom in South Africa, a number of factors exist that create barriers to the use of the device. Interventions should aim to address these challenges by educating both women and men on the use of the device and the benefits of using the female condom to increase acceptability, also increase availability and accessibility of female condoms.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10413/13564
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_US
dc.subjectFemale condoms--South Africa--Durban.en_US
dc.subjectCondom use--South Africa--Durban.en_US
dc.subjectBirth control--South Africa--Durban.en_US
dc.subjectSexually transmitted diseases--Prevention--Equipment and supplies.en_US
dc.subjectFemale condom users.en_US
dc.subjectFemale university students.en_US
dc.titleA qualitative exploration of female condom use among female university students in Durban, South Africa.en_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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Masters Degrees (Population Studies)