Study on resistance Factors to the Use of Condoms in the Northern Provinces of Cameroon

Despite efforts made by the Social Marketing Program in Cameroon (PMSC) in the areas of sensitization, education and promotion, condom sales throughout the northern provinces (Adamaoua, North, Far-North ) are still low compared to the southern provinces (Center, Littoral, West). At the request of PMSC, IRESCO (Institut de Recherche et des études des comportements), with technical and financial assistance from SFPS/Tulane, undertook a qualitative study on resistance factors to the acceptance of condoms in these predominantly muslim provinces.

The study, which responds to the Strategic Objective No.2 of SFPS, intends to contribute to improving the health status of populations in the North through increasing the prevalence of condom use and thus reduction of STD/AIDS transmission. The study specifically attempts to investigate whether the distribution of the PMSC condoms is constrained by resistance from populations to accept condoms as a means of fighting STDs and AIDS. The study also tries to (i) identify social marketing strategies and communication mechanisms likely to bring about a reduction in risky sexual behavior, and (ii) to describe the sexual practices as well as the perception of major public health problems faced by these muslim populations.

Data were collected from June 24 to July 17, 1997 in 3 urban sites (Ngaoundéré, Garoua, and Maroua) and 3 rural sites (Meiganga, Poli and Yagoua). Focus Groups were conducted with homogenous groups made up according to sex and age. In-depth interviews were also held with condom retailers and wholesalers as well as religious and traditional chiefs in each locality .

The major recommendations of the study for PMSC are as follows:

1. To collaborate with other NGOs working in health-related sectors in order to incorporate condom distribution in their activities.
2. To strengthen promotional activities by organizing "Best retailer" contests and by distributing gadgets (T-shirts, bags, caps, etc.)
3. To reduce the price of the PMSC condoms to withstand competition from condoms arriving from neighbor countries (Chad and Nigeria).
4. To develop and give priority, in rural areas, to grassroots sensitization activities which have a greater impact than sensitization done through the media (villagers may be mobilized on market days at the initiative of traditional or religious chiefs, or during sporting events, and be sensitized with messages in local languages.)
5. To strengthen specific sensitization actions directed at parents and religious and traditional authorities who themselves are major constraints to the use of condoms as a means of prevention of both unwanted pregnancies and STD/AIDS.
6. To address dissatisfaction with condoms through specific actions which
   (i) encourage retailers to exchange outdated condoms and
   (ii) make available to retailers transparent boxes to guarantee better product conservation .

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