Table 5 Integration of quantitative and qualitative study results showing quantitative survey result and representative quotes from qualitative interviews explaining the finding

Quantitative result: Females use condoms less frequently than males

Qualitative explanation: Gender norms support men to decide whether condoms will be used, and women who carry condoms are perceived as untrustworthy.

“We men get very upset when we find condoms in our partners’ bags, but I think everyone should walk with a condom. But it’s annoying because [if] you stay in that, that this one is not safe, at any moment she can use [the condom].” (Male, age 30s)

“I don’t use [condoms] because my partner doesn’t accept them. [The condom], it’s mine, I always have them. He doesn’t accept [using] it… …[so] I don’t use it” (Female, Age 20s)

Quantitative result: Women are three times more likely to have received an HIV test

Qualitative explanation: Greater perceived risk among women motivates increased utilization of HIV testing.

“I found out that [HIV is] not really [a concern for me]. HIV doesn’t kill you, understand? It changes the person’s lifestyle… …I don’t see any problem in that. All right, it gives a problem, a disease that changes your lifestyle… …if the person has it can assume the will, and sometimes even believe, right? There is no fear of HIV. It’s the fear of getting pregnant… and more out there.” (Male, Age 20s)

“I think [I am at risk of contracting HIV]. It’s not because it may not be on my part, but I have my partner. He can go out, contract the disease and pass it to me. This is the fear I really have. I can’t say that he is faithful to me totally because it’s hard to say, I don’t always go out with him.” (Female, Age 20s)

Quantitative result: Consistent condom use declines with age

Qualitative explanation: Condoms are not used in the context of committed, stable relationships where partners trust one another.

“They say [the] condom isn’t fun. The relationship made with [a] condom isn’t fun. First, others say [it is] because they trust their partner. And the ones [who] use say they used [a condom] because they don’t know the person yet, or don’t have that intimacy with that person. I think after a while the person [who] says he takes it, no longer uses it.” (Male, Age 30s)

“I didn’t use [a condom]. There are many reasons. It’s because now, right, by chance, I happen to be living with my partner, so [we have] that trust that exists between two people. The only method I use for now is the pill… …for example this year, I won’t lie I’ve never used [a condom].” (Female, Age 20s)