Condoms are scientifically recommended as potential products for preventing infections attributable to human immuno-deficiency viruses (HIV). However, evidence on factors leading to their inadequate use in developing countries is still scanty. This paper reports an exploratory study of factors constraining condoms use in Tanzania from the perspectives of barmaids, guest-house workers and retailers.

Data were collected in two districts—Mpwapwa in Dodoma Region and Mbeya Rural in Mbeya Region—between October and December 2011, using structured interviews with 238 individuals including barmaids, guesthouse workers and 145 retailers. Data analysis was performed using STATA 11 software.

Awareness about condoms was high among all study groups. Male condoms were more popular and available than female ones. A considerable proportion of the barmaids and guesthouses were disappointed with condoms being promoted and distributed to young children and disliked condom use during sexual intercourse. Accessibility of condoms was reported as being lowered by condom prices, shortage of information concerning their availability; short supply of condoms; some people shying away to be watched by children or adult people while purchasing condoms; retailers’ using bad languages to condom customers; occasionally condom shops/kiosks found closed when they are urgently needed; and prevailing social perception of condoms to have low/no protective efficacy. Regression analysis of data from barmaids and guesthouse-workers indicated variations in the degree of condom acceptability and methods used to promote condoms among respondents with different demographic characteristics.

A combination of psychosocial and economic factors was found contributing to lower the demand for and actual use of condoms in study communities. Concerted measures for promoting condom use need to address the demand challenges and making operational research an integral element of monitoring and evaluation of the launched interventions, hence widening the evidence for informed policy decisions.

Table 1

Demographic backgrounds of barmaids and guesthouse workers interviewed in Mbeya (R) and Mpwapwa Districts, Tanzania in 2011

Demographic characteristics	Barmaids and guesthouse keepers		Condom retailers
Demographic characteristics	No.	%	No.	%
Sex
Male	78	32.9	71	48.9
Female	159	67.1	74	51.1
Total	237	100	145	100
Age group in years
<35 years	174	73.1	64	48.1
≥35 years	64	26.9	69	51.9
Mean = 29.4, SD = 8.1
Total	238	100	133	100
District of residence
Mbeya Rural	123	51.7	69	65.7
Mpwapwa	115	48.3	36	34.3
Total	238	100	105	100
Education
Never gone to school	28	11.8	2	1.4
Primary school	185	78.1	77	53.9
Secondary school	24	10.1	64	44.7
Total	237	100	143	100
Marital status
Married (in union)	89	37.7	–	–
Single	98	41.5	–	–
Never got married	49	20.8	–	–
Total	236	100	–	–