Increase in condom usage in casual sexual encounters in Livingstone, study shows

A University of Zambia (UNZA) study on condom distribution in places in Livingstone where people regularly meet new sexual partners such as bars and guest houses has shown condom useage to be increasing.

The study revealed that one area, Maramba, has increased condom usage from 57 to 84% beating Dambwa which recorded an increase from 55 to 68%.

According to a survey policy brief released by Dr Charles Michelo, head of UNZA’s public health department, the Livingstone intervention study found increased condom distribution at ‘high risk places’ has led to condom utilization.

“There was a reduction in reported sexual risk taking among guests socializing in bars, guest houses and restaurants in both areas, but reporting of recent condom use increased among people interviewed in Maramba from 57 to 84% than in Dambwa from 55 to 68%,” the policy brief stated.

It further added that there were substantial changes observed in Dambwa over a five year period, an indication that there is an overall change in risk taking among people in Livingstone socializing in venues where people meet new sexual partners.

However, UNZA noted in the study, which was done in collaboration with the University of Bergen to strengthen HIV intervention, that the increase in condom usage in Maramba was due to the distribution of condoms and peer education that took place in 2009.

“A survey was conducted in 2005 in Maramba and Dambwa in places where people meet new sexual partners to access the need for targeted HIV prevention programme in the city. The survey found high turnover and unprotected sex to be common among guests in such venues [bars, restaurants and guest houses]. In addition there were major gaps in on-site condom availability,” UNZA stated.

The UNZA study, which is registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT01423357 and financed by the Norwegian Council for Higher Education’s programme for Development Research and Education (NUFU) from 2002 to 2012, further noted that the national HIV/AIDS, STI and TB policy does mention bars as important outlets for condom sales but the implementation needs to be substantially strengthened.

“Thus the government and other stakeholders should make specific and dedicated efforts to ensure stable condom availability in places where people meet new sexual partners,” UNZA stated.