Gender equity and condom use among married women in Zimbabwe
Abstract
Condoms are a limited resource and must therefore be distributed to those who are most likely to use them. This study proposes that the level of gender equity in a marital union affects the likelihood of condom use. As previous literature identifies this connection, this study explores the correlates that are shared by both gender equity and condom use, including factors related to age, place of residence, household wealth, education, and mass media exposure. Correlates that specifically inform condom use include the ability to engage sexual negotiation, condom availability and access, fertility-related decision-making, and HIV/AIDS-related decision-making. Identifying the correlates of both gender equity and condom use provides useful information for condom-related public policies and social programming. Using a random sample of married women derived from the nationally representative Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2010-2011), this study employs OLS Regression and Logistic Regression techniques to determine which correlates are significant and therefore which correlates should receive attention in future policies and programs. The results indicate that gender equity has a significant relationship with condom use, while differentials between husband and wife (in age, mass media exposure, ideal number of children, and HIV/AIDS stigma) also influence the likelihood of married women using condoms in Zimbabwe.
Subject Area
African Studies|Womens studies|Demography
Recommended Citation
Durkin, Daniel Myles, "Gender equity and condom use among married women in Zimbabwe" (2014). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3630145.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3630145
