Abstract:
Background: Condoms offer protection against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission
when used correctly and consistently. Many HIV infected people do not use condom regularly,
thus leading to new HIV infections and re-infections. In Kenya, condom use is considered to be low
and HIV prevalence is high among women aged 15 - 49 years where utilization of condoms among
HIV positive women has not been studied. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence
of consistent condom use among HIV positive women aged 18 - 49 years and to investigate
the variables associated with it. Methods: A mixed method of study design (qualitative and quantitative
approaches) was employed. A total of 422 participants were selected randomly and interviewed
using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Three (3) focus group discussions with 8 participants
in each group were conducted. Chi-square test (p < 0.05) and odds ratio with corresponding
95% confidence interval were computed to establish the association between consistent
condom use and independent variables. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify variables
independently associated with consistent condom use. Qualitative data were transcribed
and coded and then analysed thematically. Results: Consistent condom use among sexually active
HIV positive women was found to be 57.4% (95%CI: 52.7% - 62.1%). The stepwise logistic regression
revealed that attending tertiary education [aOR = 2.54; 95%CI = 1.30 - 4.95; P = 0.006], disclosing
HIV status [aOR = 2.27; 95%CI = 1.27 - 4.06; P = 0.005], having an HIV negative partner
[aOR = 4.23; 95%CI = 1.99 - 8.98; P < 0.001], not taking alcohol [aOR = 1.72; 95%CI = 1.10 - 2.69; P =
0.017], never encountered resistance to use condom by partners [aOR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.15 - 3.03;
P = 0.011] and perceived risk of contracting STIs [aOR = 2.11; 95%CI = 1.12 - 3.97; P = 0.021] as
factors independently associated with consistent condom use. Conclusion: This study shows that
there is still low prevalence of consistent condom use among HIV positive women. More education campaigning and sensitization should be tailored among HIV positive women during counseling so
as to avoid re-infection and transmission of infections.
