Coverage and Representation of Condoms in Conjunction with HIV/AIDS in the Kenyan Daily Nation Newspaper from 1989–2003: A Qualitative Content Analysis to Inform Health Promotion

HIV/AIDS has been a pressing problem in the East African country of Kenya for over 20 years. Promotion of condom use is one prevention strategy embraced in global health prevention of HIV, but use remains relatively low in Kenya. In order to better understand the socio-historic context of discourses about condoms in Kenya, this study explored how condoms were covered and represented in the Kenyan Daily Nation newspaper from 1989–2003. Qualitative content analysis was conducted for 91 items from the Daily Nation including articles, letters to the editor, columns, opinion and editorial pieces, advertisements, and cartoons. These items were systematically examined for the manner and content of manifest and latent references to condoms. Researchers found four major themes, “controversy and confusion,” “we need to do more: condoms might help,” “not for Kenyans or from Kenyans,” and “stigmatized associations.” Findings provide needed insight into the socio-cultural context surrounding condoms in Kenya that is often lacking within health promotion and HIV prevention programs.