Sexual Activity and Condom Use in Lusaka, Zambia

This study examined the effects of increased AIDS awareness more social openness about condoms and widespread availability of condoms on the sex behavior and safer sex practices of men and women in Zambia. Data were obtained from a 1996 survey that was adapted from other World Health Organization (WHO) surveys. The sample included 806 men and women aged 15-49 years. Findings indicate that men were more likely to have had last sexual intercourse with a casual partner (27% of men vs. 7% of women) to recall the Maximum brand advertising message and to report being within 10 miles of a source of condoms. During 1990-96 the proportion reporting a casual sexual partner outside the marriage or union within the past 12 months remained the same (33% of men vs. 9% of women). The proportion who knew of a condom source increased from 54% to 79% during 1990-96. The proportion with easy access increased from 32% to 72%. Multivariate findings support the hypothesis that Zambian women are limited in their ability to negotiate condom use in sexual relationships. Condom use was related to relational factors for women. Womens recall of the advertising message was strongly associated with condom use. Mens age and education were significantly associated with condom use. Access to condoms was a significant predictor of condom use for men. Mens motivation was a stronger predictor of condom use than were relational factors. Condom use was significantly associated with nonmarital sexual activity. Many believed that one-night stands rapid intercourse or showering after intercourse eliminated risk.