Assessing the availability of female condoms at Kaladima HCIII, Amuru district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:                                                                    

The study aims to assess the availability of female condoms at Kaladima HCIII, Amuru district.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional descriptive study involving women attending the antenatal and the ART clinic of Kaladima HCIII using a quantitative method of data collection. A sample of 30 respondents was used in the study because it was the recommended minimum sample size according to the research guideline UNMEB. The study employed a non-probability convenience sampling approach where the interviewer administered questionnaires to any available respondents who met the required inclusion criteria and had consented and accepted to participate in the study.

 Results:

majority, 29(97%) of the respondents felt that the female condoms are not always available for women whenever they opt for contraception, while a few, 1(3%) felt that they are always available. 26(87%) of the respondents did not normally find female condoms in the nearby pharmacies, shops, or at Kaladima HCIII. However, a few 4(13%) of the respondents normally find female condoms in the nearby pharmacies, shops at Kaladima HCIII. Concerning whether the affordability of female condoms affects availability, very few, 5(17%) of the respondents said that the affordability of female condoms does not affect their availability. However, 25(83%) of the respondents agreed that the affordability of female condoms affects their availability.

 Conclusion:

 Majority of the participants in the study had adequate knowledge of the female condom as a preventive strategy for pregnancy and STIs; however, the utilization was very low since many women had challenges with the insertion of a female condom.

 Recommendations

 Promoting   initiatives among women to strengthen female condom utilization and revise the supply chain management.