Consistent Condom Use among HIV Positive Women Attending Comprehensive Care Centre of Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya

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 reinfections. 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 pretested 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.