Barriers to use of condoms among Nigerian men: attitude and proximity

Nathan Heard, Harvard School of Public Health
Adebola A. Adedimeji, Harvard School of Public Health
Tisha Mitsunaga, Harvard University

This study sought to identify barriers to male condom use in Nigeria. Three categories of barrier were proposed, attitude/misconception, household economics, and physical access. Male data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and service availability data from the 1999 NDHS were analyzed using a logistic regression model. The hypothesis that cost might determine condom use could not be proved and may be unfounded. Instead, the main barrier in Nigeria appears to be male attitudes towards contraception and several misconceptions about condoms that are widespread. Lack of proximity to pharmacies that offer condoms, the outlet that is by far the most popular, also constitutes a barrier to the use of condoms. Policymakers may find that use of the private sector may help advance the public sector’s goal of increasing condom use. Additionally, social marketing could be further honed to address specific gaps in knowledge and barriers of attitude.