Levels and Predictors of Condom Use in Extramarital Sex among Women in Four sub-Saharan African Countries

This study examines the level and predictors of condom use among sexually active married women (15-49 years) in their last extramarital sex. The most recent standard DHS data for Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, Malawi and Namibia are analysed. Results indicate that condom use in extramarital sex in the sample ranges between 6.4% (Ghana) and 26.6% (Namibia). Predictors of using condom in extramarital sex include higher wealth quintile, husband living with wives, employment, tested for HIV/AIDs, knowledge of condom usage reducing risk of HIV, higher years of schooling and age at first marriage (odds ratios range from 1.04 to 6.57, P<0.01/0.05). However, older women and those in female headed households are less likely to report condom use during extramarital sex. Elevating socioeconomic status of women is an imperative and sexual health educators should focus on older women and those in female headed households on the importance of using condom during extramarital intercourse.