Protection versus contraception : dealing with the twofold function of condom use

The twofold function of condom use - contraception and STD protection - should be taken into account when understanding attitudes towards this practice. Emphasis on the interpretation of condom use as a protective practice conflicts with the norms of fidelity and trust that regulate marriage. The alternative interpretation of condom use as a contraceptive method may be less problematical. This paper analyses the extent to which the attitude of married individuals towards condom use with their spouses is affected by their expectations about the dominant attitudes and forms of behaviour concerning this practice in their social network. It is expected that a social consensus on understanding condom use as an HIV-preventive practice will not induce positive attitudes towards condom use within marriage, while social acceptance of modern contraception and the use of condoms for contraceptive purposes may help. Data from the Kenya Diffusion and Ideational Change Project are analysed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Social support for each function of condom use is measured with indicators of the proportion of social-network partners that use condoms for a particular purpose or have a positive attitude towards each of the uses, according to the respondent. The results support the hypothesis for men, but are inconclusive for women