Power, Self-Efficacy, and Condom Use among Female Young Adults in Zimbabwe

Constance I. Mugalla, Emory University
Joan M. Herold, Emory University
Nancy J. Thompson, Emory University

UNAIDS reported in 2002 that Zimbabwe had an adult HIV/AIDS rate of 34%, unprotected sex being the primary mode of infection. Traditional gender roles and lack of women's empowerment are seen by many as important contributors to HIV transmission in Africa. We use data from the Zimbabwe Young Adult Survey of 2001-2002 to study the association between empowerment and self-efficacy of condom use and condom use in sexual relations of young women in Zimbabwe. Other variables in the analysis include age, marital status, residence, socioeconomic status, attitudes towards condoms, and perception of HIV risk. Data for the current study comprises 2676 sexually experienced females 15-29 years of age. Bivariate results indicate 34% used condoms in their last sexual contact and that self-efficacy and empowerment have significant associations with condom use. Multivariate results are obtained using logistic regression models.