THE STUDY OF CONDOM AVAILABILITY AND FACTORS AFFECTING ITS UTILIZATION IN WONDO BASHA TOWN

Abstract

The research project designed to study the availability of condoms and factors affecting its utilization in Wondo Bash town of South Nation and Nationality Peoples Region of Ethiopia. The study focuses to determine the availability of condoms and factors affecting its utilization in rural towns that engaged in distribution or sold condoms. 110 outlets drawn from Kiosk, Hotel, Bar, Pharmacy, Clinic and other Governments and Non-Government organization were involved in the study. The methodology employed in this study used non-probability method and including descriptive statistics. The study showed that 58.2% of traditional and pharmaceutical outlets participant does not have any types of condom and 41.8% of respondents hold different types of condoms in their outlets. The study also showed most of the condom outlets did not want to hold condom for different reasons. Within the religion, the availability of condom in the study area 83% of Muslims does not want to hold condom. Age, Sex, Marital status, Religion and Education had statistically significant association with the availability and utilization of condom study. Among the participant age between 15-29years are more likely to available or hold condom compared to 30-45years of age. Among many traditional outlets, kiosks are the one that found many in numbers. However, they did not want to hear about condom. In our study area out of the total kiosk owner 78.1% of the respondent did not have condom for different reasons. This limited or affected to utilization of condom. Meanwhile, the current study showed Kiosks are more than Hotel, Bar,etc by number. However, they did not want to hear about condom. In our study area out of the total kiosk owner 78.1% of the respondent did not have condom for different reasons. If there is no available condoms in all outlets, people could not access (utilize) it and protect STI. . These papers conclude by suggested that, it needs strong advocacy, communication and awareness of condom are the key recommendation of this study. Community conversation should be facilitating by different religion leaders, VOs, NGOs and other influential community members on condom usage.