Exploring the road to improving knowledge and access to female condom in Nigeria: Evidence from Edo, Delta and Lagos states

The female condom is a relatively new product that is intended to serve the dual role of protecting against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Very few studies have been conducted on the use of female condom in Nigeria. Therefore, information is lacking about its continued use, particularly among women at high risk of HIV and other STI. With the above consideration, the Society for Family Health conducted a quantitative and measuring access and performance (MAP) baseline survey to find out the population of women using a female condom to assess product availability and accessibility using pre-defined criteria for coverage, quality of coverage, access and equity of access in Edo, Delta and Lagos states of Nigeria. Data were entered and cleaned using SPSS 13.0. In general, the MAP study found that female condom suffers from lack of public awareness, limited patronage and stock-out; which may be due to absence of promotional efforts.   To enable a successful acceptability of female condom in the Nigerian market, a comprehensive introductory and outreach programme needs to be developed. There is a need to consider the involvement of men, use of peer educators and service providers who might impact on an individual’s motivation to use the female condom.   Key words: Female condom, Nigeria, knowledge, quantitative method, measuring access and performance (MAP) study, Edo, Delta, Lagos.