Poor acceptability of female condom by young Cameroonians: an unmet programmatic agenda for HIV prevention programs

Background: an important component in response to AIDS epidemic is the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections through the use of condoms. In order to enhanceHIV prevention programs and minimize the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies, female condoms have been introduced within the community,with an ultimate goal to reduce women vulnerability. The success of such program depends on acceptance within the target population. Methods: a study was conducted, among 426 respondents from different regions ofCameroon, to evaluate the perception on HIV/AIDS and acceptance level of condom usage in general, and female condom usage inparticular. Results: respondentswere young adults (mean age: 22.6 years; 57.04% male, 95.3% single, and 76.6% at a university educational level)residing in seven regions of Cameroon (86.4% west, 6.5% Littoral, 3% Centre and 4.1% Adamawa, East, Far-North and North-West). From a general point of view, 76% declared using condoms, though 48% complaint of a decreased in sexual satisfaction. Interestingly, awareness on female condom was up to 74.5% and 88.5% in men and female respectively, and only 8% and 9.9% declared to have used it respectively, the main complaint being a reduced sexual comfort. Respondents generally learnt about sexual education throughbroadcasting media (~90%). Conclusion: in this sexually active Cameroonian population, the rate of acceptance or use of female condom remains very low, even among women. This prompts the need to scale-up sensitization strategies for young women, includingdemonstration sessions on the adequate use and benefits of female condoms.