Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Condom”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Perceived versus actual knowledge about correct condom use among U.S. adolescents: results from a national study.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of three misconceptions about correct condom use and determine whether prevalence of these misconceptions varied by gender, sexual intercourse experience, experience using condoms, and the relationship between adolescents' actual and perceived knowledge about correct condom use. Variables that predicted misconceptions about correct condom use were also identified. METHODS: Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were analyzed to determine prevalence of misconceptions among 16,677 adolescents. Misconceptions were: (a) no space at the tip of the condom, (b) Vaseline can be used with condoms, and (c) lambskin protects against the acquired immunodeficiency virus better than latex. Chi-square analyses determined differences in prevalence of misconceptions between male and female adolescents based on their sexual and condom use experience as well as their level of perceived knowledge about correct condom use. Logistic regression models identified predictors of reporting misconceptions. RESULTS: Depending on intercourse experience and experience using condoms, about one-third to one-half believed the first two misconceptions and about one-fifth believed the latter one. Perception of knowledge about correct condom use was infrequently related to actual knowledge. Misconceptions were less likely among older adolescents, those ever having intercourse, those reporting four or more lifetime intercourse partners, those who had used condoms, females, and those not reporting a religious affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Misconceptions about correct condom use are common among adolescents. Sexually active adolescents need more complete information about correct condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Improving the accessibility of condoms in South Africa: the role of informal distribution.

Lack of access to condoms presents a fundamental barrier to HIV prevention across most of sub-Saharan Africa. One strategy to enhance the accessibility of condoms is to promote their informal distribution outside of health facilities through existing social networks. To investigate the prevalence and practices of informal condom distribution, we administered a questionnaire to individuals procuring condoms at 12 public health facilities in four regions of South Africa. Of the 554 individuals interviewed, 269 (48%) reported either giving or receiving condoms informally in the month before the study. In multivariate analysis, reporting informal condom distribution was associated with increased education, male gender, multiple sex partners and recent condom use. The specific practices involved in giving or receiving condoms differed between males and females, with women more likely to involve family members and men more likely to involve friends. These results indicate that informal condom distribution is surprisingly common among individuals procuring public sector condoms in South Africa, and begin to suggest the gendered nature of informal condom distribution networks. While these findings require confirmation in other populations, the practices of informal condom distribution described here provide an excellent opportunity for enhancing condom accessibility and delivering other interventions for HIV prevention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The fate of free male condoms distributed to the public in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Public sector male condom distribution in South Africa rose from six million in 1994 to 198 million in 1999 as part of the government's condom promotion efforts for HIV/AIDS prevention. This study investigates what happens to the condoms which are distributed free of charge by the South African Department of Health. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken during 1998-1999 at 12 representative public health facilities. Five-hundred and fifty-four consecutive subjects leaving the facilities were recruited and followed-up for 5 weeks to ascertain the fate of the 8164 condoms they had procured. RESULTS: A total of 384 participants (69.3%) and their 5528 condoms (67.7%) were followed successfully. After 5 weeks, 43.7% of the condoms had been used or broken in sex, 21.8% had been given away, 8.5% had been lost or discarded, and 26.0% were still available for use. Increased rates of condom use by participants were associated with active (compared to passive) condom procurement. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the rapidly increasing number of free condoms being distributed by the public health service in South Africa, it is reassuring to note that wastage at 5 weeks is less than 10%. Extrapolating these data to the 198 million public sector condoms distributed in South Africa in 1999, at least 87 million condoms were used in sex. This methodology may be used to help evaluate the impact of existing condom distribution systems and the effectiveness of various condom promotion strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Shifts in condom use following microbicide introduction: should we be concerned?

OBJECTIVES: Abandoning condoms for microbicides is termed 'condom migration'. This study estimated the reduction in condom use that can be tolerated following the introduction of an HIV- and sexually transmitted disease (STD)-efficacious microbicide without increasing an individual's risk of HIV infection, and explored how microbicide use affects HIV-risk. DESIGN: Development of a static mathematical model to compare how different combinations of condom and microbicide use affect individual risk of HIV and STD infection at a particular point in time. METHODS: The model is used to identify the 'break-even point' at which any increased risk associated with condom migration is counter-balanced by the protection afforded with microbicides. Data from Benin is used as a case-example. RESULTS: Considering a 50% HIV- and STD-efficacious microbicide, groups that use condoms with 25% consistency or less could cease using condoms without increasing their risk if they use microbicides in 50% or more of sex acts. However, migration may increase risk if the initial condom-consistency is high (> 70%) and microbicide-consistency is low (< 50% of non-condom-protected acts). For the Benin case-example, if condoms are initially used in 70% or less of sex acts, and if consistency of condom use is sustained following microbicide introduction, there will be a 20% or greater reduction in HIV-risk if the microbicide is used in 50% of non-condom-protected sex acts. CONCLUSIONS: There are likely to be many situations in which the benefits of microbicide use outweigh the negative impact of condom migration, and where microbicides could substantially reduce HIV-risk.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2003

Sex in Australia: experience of condom failure among a representative sample of men.

OBJECTIVE: Condom use is a central part of strategies to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmissible infections. The objective of this study was to provide reliable estimates of the prevalence and correlates of condom failure among a representative sample of Australian men. METHODS: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 10,173 men aged 16-59 years from all States and Territories. The response rate was 69.4%. RESULTS: Among men who used condoms in the year prior to being interviewed, 23.8% experienced at least one condom breakage in the past year and 18.1% experienced at least one condom slippage in the past year. Experience of condom breakage in the past year was significantly related to younger age, having a blue-collar occupation, and using more condoms. Neither condom slippage nor condom failure was significantly related to use of water-based lubricants or oil-based lubricants. CONCLUSION: Condom failure is related to certain characteristics of individuals and is not randomly distributed across all condom users. Lubricant use did not affect condom failure. IMPLICATIONS: There may not be a need to promote lubricant use for vaginal intercourse, as there was no association between lubricant use and condom failure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Sex in Australia: safer sex and condom use among a representative sample of adults.

OBJECTIVE: To provide reliable estimates of the frequency of condom use and correlates of condom use among Australian adults. METHODS: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 10,173 men and 9,134 women aged 16-59 years. The response rate was 73.1% (69.4% men, 77.6% women). RESULTS: Although the majority of respondents had used a condom at some time in their lives, fewer than half of the respondents who were sexually active in the year before being interviewed had used a condom in the past year. Condom use in the past year was associated with youth, greater education, residence in major cities, lower incomes, white-collar occupations, being a former smoker, and having more sexual partners in the past year. In the six months prior to interview, 7.1% of respondents always used condoms with regular cohabiting partners, 22.5% always used condoms with regular non-cohabiting partners, and 41.4% always used condoms with casual partners. Approximately 20% of respondents used a condom the last time they had vaginal intercourse, and one in eight of these condoms were put on after genital contact. Condom use during the most recent sexual encounter was associated with youth, living in a major city, having a lower income, having sex with a casual partner, and not using another form of contraception. CONCLUSION: As in other studies, condom use was strongly associated with partner type and use of other contraception. IMPLICATIONS: People with multiple sexual partners need to be aware that non-barrier methods of contraception (and condoms applied late) do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Gender and relationship differences in condom use among 15-24-year-olds in Angola.

CONTEXT: The sexual behavior of young people in Angola will play a major role in the future spread of HIV, yet few young people use condoms consistently, and reported rates of condom use are low. It is important to identify determinants of condom use among Angolan adolescents and young adults. METHODS: Data for analysis came from 1,995 sexually experienced youth aged 15-24 who participated in a 2001 knowledge, attitudes and practices survey in Luanda, Angola. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of consistent condom use by gender and determinants of condom use at last intercourse by type of relationship. RESULTS: For both males and females, consistent condom use was positively associated with higher levels of education (odds ratios, 1.7-2.6) and believing that condoms did not diminish sexual pleasure (1.8 for both genders). It was negatively associated with being married or in a cohabiting relationship (0.1-0.5). Females who equated condom use with lack of trust were less likely to use condoms consistently (0.5), and males who believed that condoms were safe and those who had multiple partners were more likely to be consistent users (1.6 and 1.7, respectively). Urban residence, higher education, being in school and not equating condom use with lack of trust were important predictors of use at last intercourse in regular and casual relationships, whereas access to condoms was the most important factor in spousal relationships (4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention programs aimed at less educated, periurban and unemployed young people should be part of an effective HIV-prevention strategy. Such programs must address misperceptions among youth about condom use and the need for protection from HIV and other STIs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Knowledge and practice of condom use among first year students at University of the North, South Africa.

The aim of the study is to investigate knowledge and sexual practices with reference to correct use of condoms among first year South African University students. The sample consisted of 206 participants, 146 female and 60 male, the mean age was 20.9 years (SD = 3.4), with a range from 17 to 34 years. Results indicated that one third (29.2%) of the sample reported never using condoms, 35.4% always, 19.8% regularly and 8.5% irregularly in the past three months. About 90% levels of correct answers for condom use were found for the items of 'condoms as protection against STD and AIDS', 'expiry date of condoms', and 're-using condoms'. More than 15% were not aware that a condom should be put on before any contact with the vagina. The most common mistakes with respect to condom use were ignorance about the correct moment to put on a condom (56%), and when to take off a condom (55%). Male sex and especially increasing recent sexual encounters was associated with correct condom knowledge. The most common reasons for not using a condom were 'I do not have the AIDS virus' and 'I thought I was safe' seems to indicate a low perceived susceptibility. Findings are discussed in view of condom promotion programmes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Prioritizing education about condom use among sexually active adolescent females.

Many factors have been shown to influence condom use among adolescents, including negative experiences with prior use, risk-taking behaviors, perception of condom efficacy, and self-efficacy in obtaining and using condoms. In order to help prioritize topics for clinic-based education, this study attempted to determine which factors are most significantly associated with planned condom use. A 53-item questionnaire was administered to sexually active females presenting consecutively to an adolescent clinic. Two hundred ethnically and religiously diverse patients, with a median age of 17 years, participated. Median age at first sexual encounter was 15. Median number of lifetime partners was 2, with a median of 1 partner in the last year. Past condom use was reported by 88%, with 22% always, 38% usually, and 26% occasionally using condoms. Only 47% had used condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. Negative experiences with condom use were reported by 85%. Only 54% stated they would definitely use condoms during their next sexual encounter. Intent to use condoms in the future was significantly associated with both past use and fear of HIV infection. Intent was not significantly associated with most prior negative experiences, perception of condom efficacy in preventing STDs and pregnancy, or other perceived benefits of condom use. Thus, this novel approach to prioritizing topics revealed that health education among a clinic-based population should emphasize condom use from the onset of sexual activity, as well as its efficacy in preventing HIV infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Study to determine the correlation between condom breakage in human use and laboratory test results.

The present study examined the value of laboratory tests in predicting condom breakage for 20 lots of latex condoms which differed in age, storage history and laboratory test performance. Two-hundred-sixty-two participating U.S. couples used a total of 4589 latex condoms (mean = 229 condoms per lot, range 224-235). Breakage rates ranged from 3.5 percent for a brand new condom lot to 18.6 percent for a lot that was 81 months old at the time of the study. The statistical predictor models, separately using ultimate elongation from the tensile test, the Condom Quality Index from the airburst volume test, and the percent of condoms failing the airburst volume test as the independent variables and the condom breakage rate as the dependent variable, all appear to have a high level of accuracy in predicting condom breakage in use. The three models had correlation coefficients (R2s) of 0.81, 0.74 and 0.69, respectively. Perhaps the most unexpected result was that the age of the condom lot was the best predictor of condom breakage during use (correlation coefficient (R2) = 0.92). Although the present investigation does not provide sufficient justification to use age as the only factor for decisions on condom lot disposition, it does provide some guidance.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Self-efficacy and intent to use condoms among entering college freshmen.

We examined self-efficacy theory's ability to explain adolescents' intent to use condoms. In this study, 673 males and 404 females (mean age, 17.8 years) about to begin college, completed health surveys measuring self-efficacy regarding condom use. Perceived self-efficacy differed by gender and sexual experience. Regression analysis demonstrated that frequency of past condom use, perceived ability to talk with new partner about condoms and to enjoy sex using condoms explained 16% of sexually active males' intent to use condoms (p < 0.05). For sexually active females, explanators included frequency of past use and perceived ability to enjoy sex with condoms (R2 = 29.8%, p < 0.05). For never sexually active males, perceived ability to convince partner to use condoms and to buy condoms explained 16.1% of intent (p < 0.05); among never sexually active females, only perceived ability to convince partner to use condoms was significant (R2 = 6.2%, p < 0.05). Efforts to increase condom use should enhance perceptions of ability to negotiate aspects of condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Perceived function of and barriers to condom use in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions of Tanzania.

This paper presents data from a population-based survey which assessed perceived function of and barriers to condom use among the adult population aged 15-54 years in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions in northern Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was used in data collection. A total of 1081 people participated in the study, representing a response rate of 67% of the eligible population from two urban and two semi-urban communities. Of the 1081 respondents, 69.9% knew what condoms were and of these 55.3% stated that condoms are used for contraception while 24.2% reported that condoms are used for prevention of AIDS/STD. Among those who knew about condoms, 11.2% stated that they disliked using condoms during sexual intercourse while 18.7% felt that condoms reduced sexual enjoyment. Furthermore, 34.1% of the respondents reported that they would not supply condoms to their sexually active children. Respondents who reported that condoms reduced sexual enjoyment as well as those who stated that they disliked using condoms were significantly less likely to use condoms than those who stated otherwise. These data indicated the underlying psychosocial barriers to condom use among the respondents and hence the need for further research and specific health education strategies to overcome them. Priority areas for intervention research are suggested.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

Long-term use of the female condom among couples at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection in Zambia.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have measured female condom use for more than a 6-month period or among persons at high risk of STD. OBJECTIVE: To measure long-term use of the female condom among couples at high risk of HIV infection and to evaluate the effect of female condom use on unprotected coital acts. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-nine Zambian couples with symptomatic sexually transmitted diseases (STD) received female condoms, male condoms, and spermicides and were counseled to use either condom plus spermicide for each coital act. Couples were followed up at 3-, 6-, and 12-month visits. Barrier contraceptive use was measured prospectively by coital log. RESULTS: Among the 99 couples enrolled, 51, 38, and 30 couples were successfully followed up for 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Female condoms were reportedly used in 24%, 27%, and 23% of coital acts and by 86%, 79%, and 67% of the returning couples during each time interval. Higher-level female condom users used male condoms less often but had fewer unprotected coital acts (5% vs. 14%; p < 0.05) than lower-level female condom users. CONCLUSION: A majority of couples at high risk of HIV infection used the female condom in conjunction with other barrier methods over a 1-year period. The addition of female condoms accompanied by appropriate counseling to the barrier method mix may reduce unprotected sex among couples at high-risk of HIV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Predictors of condom use among patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Uganda.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are at an increased risk of HIV infection and they must be targeted for increased condom use. GOAL: To identify predictors of condom use among patients with STDs. STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional survey, an interview-administered questionnaire was administered to 138 patients at the STD clinic, Mulago, and the outpatients department, Mbarara Hospital, in Uganda. Data were collected on socio-demographic situations, STD symptoms, type of sexual partners, and use of condoms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of condom use. RESULTS: Of the 138 patients, 87 (66%) knew how to use condoms, 81 (59%) ever used a condom, 34 (25%) used a condom at least once in the previous 3 months, 20 (15%) used a condom during the last sexual intercourse, and 80 (58%) accepted a free supply of condoms. Reasons for not using condoms among the 57 who had never were: having a regular partner or spouse (28, 49%), partner does not approve (17, 30%), reduced sexual pleasure (5, 9%), and no answer (7, 12%). The independent predictors of condom use were: being a man, not having a regular partner, having had sex with a casual partner, being able to read English, having at least secondary education, and using electricity for lighting. CONCLUSION: Providing health promotion messages in local languages may improve condom use in this population. There is a need for complementary HIV prevention strategies for women and for regular sexual partnerships.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Condom awareness and use in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, Tanzania: a population-based study.

A cross-sectional study of condom awareness, perceived availability, and use was conducted using a questionnaire in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions in northern Tanzania. The questionnaire was administered to a random sample (n = 1,081) of males and females (15-54 years of age) from four localities in the Arusha, Babati, Moshi, and Same districts. Of the 1,081 respondents, 69.9% knew what condoms are and, of these, 31.7% reported having ever used a condom, while 20.7% stated that they used condoms regularly. Furthermore, of the 756 respondents who knew what condoms are, 62.2% stated that condoms were available in their localities and, of these, 44.1% reported having used condoms regularly. The results suggested that, while the majority of the respondents knew about condoms and stated that condoms were available in their localities, reported regular condom use was low. Age, gender, marital status, occupation, and place of residence appeared to be significant determinants of condom awareness and use, while educational status was not. Although barmaids and professional drivers have been shown to practice high-risk sexual behavior, reported condom use among them was low.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Condom use and breakage among women in a municipal hospital family planning clinic.

For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms are the best available means of protection against sexually transmitted diseases including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Condoms are also an effective method for preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, condoms are not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy or the spread of infection, in part because condoms do break. In order to gain insight into condom breakage, a questionnaire was administered to women attending a municipal hospital family planning clinic. Thirty-six percent of the 106 subjects had experienced at least one condom breakage. Condom breakage occurred in approximately 1 out of 100 acts of intercourse using condoms, with a lifetime breakage rate of 10 per 1000 condom uses and a past year breakage rate of 8 per 1000 condom uses. Breakage rates did not differ substantially by age. Five percent of the women's unplanned pregnancies were attributed to broken condoms. The results of this study corroborate previously reported rates. Factors associated with these women's most recent breakage experiences included: vaginal intercourse, minimal foreplay, and breakage prior to ejaculation. Controlled studies will be needed to determine how the condom can be used to reduce the likelihood of breakage.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗
PubMed2003

Structural integrity of the polyurethane female condom after multiple cycles of disinfection, washing, drying and relubrication.

The female condom provides an important alternative means of protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections for women, particularly in situations where partners are reluctant or refuse to use male condoms. The relatively high cost of the device, however, is a barrier to its use in resource-poor environments. This has led to some reuse of the product and two studies have demonstrated that female condoms can withstand a limited level of reuse without an excessive loss of structural integrity when washed with soap and water. A consultation on female condom reuse convened by the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS in June 2000 recommended that all used female condoms should be disinfected immediately after use, before washing. The effect of such treatments on the female condom was not known. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of the disinfection, washing, drying and relubrication on the properties of the condom. Samples from three batches of female condoms were subjected to seven treatment cycles before being tested for structural integrity. In all cases the batches of condoms complied with the manufacturer's release specification for the product after treatment. Some minor changes in properties were seen but these were not considered important. There was evidence of a small increase in the number of condoms with holes following repeated disinfection and washing cycles, suggesting that excessive or rough handling can damage the condom. Condoms should therefore be handled carefully and inspected thoroughly for signs of damage after washing and drying before being stored with the intention of subsequently reusing the device.

Single-Use Internal Condom↗
PubMed1992

Factors associated with condom use among sexually active female adolescents.

A health belief model of condom use was used to identify factors associated with condom use in 390 sexually active female adolescents, aged 12 through 19 years, recruited at the time of a visit for reproductive health care. Fifty-six percent were white and the remainder black. Nineteen percent had genitourinary infections with Chlamydia trachomatis. Forty-six percent reported having had more than one sexual partner in the preceding year. Reported condom use for at least one specific reason (prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) increased as behavioral, emotional, and sexually transmitted disease risk decreased, and as cognitive maturity and positive condom attitudes increased. Although uses of condoms to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were positively intercorrelated, each made a contribution to explaining condom use at most recent coitus (odds ratios 2.95, 3.96, and 2.81, respectively). After statistical adjustment for the reported reasons for previous condom use, behavioral risk was the only additional factor associated with condom use at the most recent sexual encounter; women who participated in more risk behaviors (substance and alcohol use and minor delinquency) were less likely to have used a condom (odds ratio 0.61). Knowledge about sexually transmitted disease and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and concurrent use of contraceptive pills, were not related to condom practices. The data suggest that adolescents' perceptions about condoms, including the individual functions of condoms for contraception and for prevention of sexually transmitted disease, may be important in determining their use. Engaging in unprotected intercourse may be part of a larger behavioral domain that includes other unhealthy behaviors.

Adolescent↗