ABSTRACT Background Condoms are central to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Despite awareness, use remains suboptimal among women in Tanzania. This study assessed prevalence and determinants of condom non‐use during the last sexual encounter among unmarried, sexually active women using nationally representative data. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional analytical study using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A total of 2146 unmarried and sexually active women aged 15–49 years were included. The primary outcome was self‐reported condom non‐use during the last sexual encounter. Descriptive statistics and log‐binomial regression were used to identify factors associated with condom non‐use, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and survey weights. Results The prevalence of condom non‐use during the last sexual encounter was 19.07%. Regional variation was noted, with the highest prevalence in the Lake zone (4.85%) and the lowest in Zanzibar (0.13%). After adjustment, secondary or higher education was associated with lower odds of condom non‐use (aRR = 0.61; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.38–0.97), as was having multiple sexual partners (aRR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20–0.76). Conversely, women with two or more children had increased odds of non‐use (aRR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26–3.56). Conclusion Condom non‐use among unmarried women remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania. Education, parity, and sexual behavior patterns are key determinants. Interventions should prioritize comprehensive sexuality education, empower women in reproductive decision‐making, and address sociocultural barriers that hinder condom negotiation and use.
Moshi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.