Acceptability and accessibility of condom among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Imo state, Nigeria

HIV prevalence among high risk populations globally is substantially higher than in the general population though men who have sex with men continue to bear a high burden of the infection. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and accessibility of condoms among men who have sex with men in Imo State, Nigeria. Hundred and ninety five respondents functional in key population (KP) hot spots in presumptively selected Local Government Areas in the state were randomly selected. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection and data obtained was analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 21. The result showed that 101(51.8%) of MSM had used condom during a sexual intercourse. Majority 97(50.3%) indicated that they would not use a condom they love or are in partnership with whereas 69(35%) used condom occasionally during intercourse. Majority of the respondents 103(52.8%) have practiced unprotected anal sex within the past six months prior to survey. The major constraint to condom accessibility was reported to be cost (26.3%). Other constraints to accessibility include condom prejudice (25.0%) and setting of residence (24.5%). Statistically, the study revealed no association between condom uptake and acceptability (P=0.001) however, there was an association between condom uptake and accessibility (P=0.594). Interventions targeted at the key population to evaluate trends in sexually transmitted diseases especially HIV as well as improvement of condom accessibility cannot be over emphasized.