AFRO-NETS> Research Finds Trust is the Principal Barrier to Condom Use

[Karrie Carnes <kcarnes@psi.org>]

Research Finds Trust is the Principal Barrier to Condom Use
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Population Services International (PSI) researchers have found 
that trust in one's partner is the main reason for not using con-
doms with a marital or regular partner in Africa. PSI used data 
from surveys taken in eight countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in 
1999 and 2001. Despite levels of HIV prevalence as high as 40% in 
certain African countries, condom use is much less than the level 
needed to reverse the epidemic. Reasons for not using condoms 
vary. Stigma is frequently attached to condom use because condoms 
are often associated with casual sex and multiple partners. Also, 
unequal power between partners may impair condom negotiation 
ability, and dislike of condoms can attribute to lack of usage. 
 
But trust in one's partner is the most common reason cited for 
both males and females not using condoms with regular partners, 
stemming from a lack of perceived risk for contracting HIV. 
 
For more information, download the document: "Trust is Principal 
Barrier to Condom Use" as Adobe PDF file (2 pp. 193 kB) at:
http://www.psi.org/resources/pubs/rb-1.pdf

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