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PubMedDate not supplied

Gender differed factors affecting male condom use. A population-based study of 18-year-old Swedish adolescents.

UNLABELLED: Despite preventive measures promoting the condom as a good barrier method and a good preventive measure for STIs, teenage abortions and STIs are increasing in our society. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore which male factors are associated with non-condom use and also which female factors are associated with non-condom use among their sexual partners. STUDY GROUP: A population-based study, among all 18-year old girls and boys in four cities in northern Sweden. METHOD: The participants answered a questionnaire regarding their social lifestyle, psychological-, and sexual health. The associations between the independent variables and the dependent variable (non-condom use) were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Four significant (p<0.05) male variables associated with non-condom use were identified: living with partner during the weekends, feeling depressed, being a party smoker, and girl partner taking oral contraceptives. Two significant (p<0.05) female variables were associated with non-condom: using oral contraceptives and feeling forced into sex. Having TV and movie watching as favourite free time activity was identified as a significant protective female variable associated with condom use. CONCLUSION: The study found several male and female factors associated with non-condom use, where the usage of oral contraception was the strongest indicator for non-condom use. The study showed a gender difference in the variables associated with condom use and the results have been suggested as useful in future preventive measures promoting condom usage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Consistent condom use with different types of partners: evidence from two Nigerian surveys.

HIV prevalence in Nigeria is increasing rapidly. Increased condom use is the most viable solution to slow down or reverse this trend. This article uses data from two waves of a nation-wide survey, each with over 5,000 respondents, to examine factors that influence consistency of condom use with various types of partners. The results show that while the overall level of consistent condom use has remained low, reported consistent condom use with occasional partners and commercial sex workers exceeds 60%. There is also some evidence of an increasing trend in consistent condom use, even after controlling for differences in sample composition and other factors. The most important factors affecting consistency of condom use are awareness that condoms are effective at preventing HIV and that they are effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy, concern about unwanted pregnancy, and concern about HIV. Although concern about unwanted pregnancy has a strong effect on consistency of condom use with stable partners, concern about HIV infection has a strong effect on consistency of condom use with nonstable partners. The results suggest that HIV prevention programs need to do more than provide education about the modes of transmission and the ways to prevent infection. Improving the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs is likely to require focusing more explicitly on people's personal risk perception and condom efficacy. Focusing on these topics may further accelerate the observed positive trend in condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Understanding gender differences in condom use self-efficacy among youth in urban Cameroon.

The aim of this study was to understand gender differences in components of condom use self-efficacy to inform the design of effective reproductive health interventions for youth. Data stem from a July to August 2000 reproductive health survey among youth aged 15-24. Gender differentials in self-efficacy are analyzed using logistic regression. Perceived ability to discuss and negotiate condom use is high for both sexes. Women are less likely than men to know correct condom use (58% vs. 80%, p<.01) but are more likely to be shy buying condoms (67% vs. 50%, p<.01). Prior experience buying and using condoms, parental support, and condom promotion affect perceived ability to correctly use condoms and shyness buying condoms. Programs aiming to increase self-efficacy in condom use should focus on increasing confidence in youth's ability to buy condoms and to use them correctly, especially for young women. There is a need for programs that publicize and/or increase access to youth-friendly outlets and increase the acceptability of young women buying condoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Condom use amongst men and women attending a genitourinary medicine clinic.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the numbers of patients attending a large genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and to assess how many patients experienced problems with their use. To elicit whether patients had received any training in the use of condoms. DESIGN: Patient questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: 300 male and 300 female adult attenders at a GUM clinic. METHODS: Participants were randomly selected from those attending and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire, which was placed in a sealed box in the consulting room. RESULTS: Condom use is erratic, with most responders indicating that they only sometimes use condoms. More female than male patients report condom accidents. Male participants were less likely to recall being given any training in condom use at school than women. Women attending family planning clinics for condoms were unlikely to be offered training in their use. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants continue to place themselves at risk of STIs through inconsistent use of condoms or condom accidents. More emphasis should be placed on formal education in the use of condoms both at school and health clinics where patients are likely to obtain supplies of condoms.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Condom use by men with non-stable partners in Mexico City].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between sociodemographic variables and condom use during vaginal sexual relationships with non-stable partners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were taken from a household probability survey on sexual behavior in 1992-1993 in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. Of the completed survey were obtained 8,068 men of 15 to 60 years of age. 1,535 were selected because they reported that their last sexual relationship with vaginal intercourse had been with a non-stable partner. Principal component analyses were conducted to groups of variables with common underlying structures, these components and other variables were included in a logistic regressions. Condom use during last intercourse was the dependent variable. RESULTS: Feeling that sex with condoms or sex without penetration could be pleasurable, a high ranking in a scale on self-efficacy for condom use, compulsion for using a condom because of being afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS were positively associated with using a condom in the last sexual intercourse. Marital status, schooling, and the number of episodes of sexually transmitted diseases were significantly associated with condom use. Perception of inevitability of becoming infected due to lack of trust in condoms was negatively associated with its use. None of the variables regarding knowledge on HIV/AIDS, including means of transmission and ways to prevent its infection, showed any significant association with condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Even when information is considered important in educational strategies, it might be more important to promote a positive perception on condoms and safe sex as pleasurable (at the individual and social level), as well as the promotion of self-efficacy on being able to use a condom or enforce preventive behaviors against HIV infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

Condom failures in women presenting for abortion.

AIMS: To document the main reasons for condom failure in women presenting for first trimester termination of pregnancy. METHODS: From 1990-97 an audit was carried out, on the 3283 cases personally operated on by the author, using the information routinely obtained during pre-operative counselling. RESULTS: Two sets of figures were obtained. The first (minimum figures) were restricted to those who used condoms on every occasion of coitus (746 or 22.7% of all women seen). The second (maximum figures) included all of these plus those who did not use condoms on every occasion or who used condoms in conjunction with another method (1494 or 45.5% of all women seen). In this expanded group, there was no obvious cause for the failure in 446 (29.9% of condom users). The main reason for failure was not using condoms every time (736 or 49.3% of condom failures). Leakage of semen occurred in 321 cases (21.5% of condom failures) and 104 of these had used emergency contraception which had also failed (7.0% of condom failures). Condoms failed more often in women under 25 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for better education on correct condom use and improved availability of emergency contraception. There is also a need for greater standardisation in reporting contraceptive failure.

Abortion, Legal↗
PubMed1999

Audit of condom issuing in eastbourne sexual health clinic.

A perennial question at meetings of family planning practitioners concerns the numbers of condoms to give to patients. If the condom is to act as an effective contraceptive method, then there must be a condom available for every occasion of sexual intercourse. In recent years, the condom has been promoted as a means of protecting against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The 'Double Dutch' approach whereby the condom is used alongside other methods of contraception such as the Pill, has been advocated, particularly for younger people. The condom has consequently become a more commonly used method of contraception, particularly amongst the young and single. The family planning clinic in Eastbourne is now part of an integrated Sexual Health Clinic incorporating family planning (FPC), genito-urinary medicine (GUM), HIV and AIDS clinics. At the time of this audit, steps towards integration were already well advanced. We were keen to develop standards for issuing condoms which took account of identified need in target populations. At the same time clinicians were anxious to avoid waste given that the budget for condoms is finite. Often the idea of using a condom is introduced by clinicians rather than by clients, and this may lead to the issuing of condoms which the client is not motivated to use. We were also keen to eliminate any judgements about frequency of requests for supplies of condoms, and to this end the local Health Promotion Department ran training on sexual history taking which included approaches to asking about frequency of sexual intercourse.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Availability of condoms in Mexico City].

INTRODUCTION: At the beginning of 1999, Mexico occupied third place, after USA and Brazil, in the number of accumulated cases of AIDS (38,390 notified cases) in America. More than 80% of the cases corresponded to men between 20 and 44 years old. The transmission by sexual route has increased in both sexes, the proportion of men infected by sexual contact increased from 85% in 1991 to 90% in 1998 and in women this proportion increased from 41% in 1991 to 57% in 1998. The ratio male/female of cases of AIDS has varied from 17:1 in 1983 to 6:1 in 1998. Condom use is considered an effective method for the prevention of the transmission of STI's/HIV and therefore the availability is of paramount importance to promote use with the finality of combating these diseases. METHOD: A simple randomized sampling was done in 612 establishments that included: drugstore, bars and nightclubs, hotels and motels, self-service shops and health centers in Mexico City, where am cross sectional study was performed during June and July of 1995, to evaluate the availability of condoms considering three important items: a) percent per capita required to buy an annual endowment of 100 condoms in comparison with this same indicator reported in other countries; b) physical availability, on behalf of the Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, that considers the volume of existing condoms to be utilized for a year by the public sector in this city; c) physical availability of condoms in different evaluated locations. RESULTS: In order to purchase an annual supply of condoms an individual needs the assign $500 (Pesos) which represents 2.3 to 2.6% of the annual GNP per capita for 1998 and 1997 respectively. The physical availability of condoms, on behalf of the Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, was 94.9% in health centers. In drugstores, hotels and motels, self-service shops, bars and nightclubs the availability of condoms was 100%, 82.9%, 75% and 1.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It has been documented that the adequate use of condom is an effective strategy for the prevention of STI's/HIV, therefore the availability of this method of prevention is important to decrease the incidence of these diseases The results of this study indicate that the price for this method of prevention represents an important expense for the homes, which is a limiting factor for condom use, especially for those populations that include adolescents and young adults. It then becomes necessary for Government Institutions to implement programs that will subsidize this method of prevention. Availability is less in self-service shops and practically non-existent in bars and nightclubs. It is suggested that the availability of condom should be mandatory in public places, like bars and nightclubs, where the risk to start casual sexual contact is eminent.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and their relationship with sexual behaviour and condom use, in a cohort of teenagers referring to a STD centre. A nine-year, prospective study].

In order to assess the relationship between a diagnosis of sexually-transmitted disease (STD), sexual behaviour, condom use, and other social, demographic, and epidemiological variables in a cohort of young adults who referred to a STD centre during a 9-year period, all patients aged 13-20 years were prospectively evaluated, with special attention paid to sexual behaviour, and use of condom or other contraceptive techniques. The 284 assessed young adults represented 6.1% of all patients with a diagnosis of STD: an increasing temporal trend was noticed (from 3. % in 1991, up to 10.4% nel 1999: p<.0001). On the whole, 70.1% of subjects aged 20 years or less never used a condom during the 6 months preceding the diagnosis of STD: only 21.8% of patients reported regular condom use, and 4.9% more subjects referred occasional use, while in the remaining 3.2% of cases other contraceptive methods were employed. Among under age patients (10.6% of study population), the rate of condom use was 3.3% only, while male homosexuals always denied the use of barrier methods. Although a progressive increase in condom use was observed through the study time (from 0% encountered in 1991-1994, to 57.6% of 1999: p<.0001), this phenomenon proved linked only to the massive increase of immigrant sex workers, which occurred since 1997. When excluding from analysis any probable female prostitutes, lack of condom use tested related to the male gender (p<.05), and a low education (p<.04). Over 50% of patients reported 0-1 partners during the last 6 months, even though an increase in sexual promiscuity was observed during the last three years, compared with 1991-1996 (p<.02). Among the 297 different STD episodes (mostly nongonococcal cervicitis-vaginitis and urethritis, and HPV infection), an increasing incidence of nongonococcal STD and syphilis was found, but no correlation was observed between the spectrum of diagnosed STD, sexual behaviour, and condom use. In particular, in 69.9% of the 103 episodes nongonococcal disease occurred despite regular (65 cases), or occasional (7 episodes) condom use. Moreover, no significant relationship was disclosed between STD occurrence, condom use, and other analyzed social, demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables. According to our survey, an increased risk of STD seems to involve young adults, and to be related to the variation of multiple demographic, epidemiological, and behavioral features. While immigration and prostitution had the major impact during the last three years, sexual promiscuity and infrequent condom use represent persistent; risk factors in this age population. Besides their diagnostic and therapeutic role, STD centres are able to carry out permanent monitoring of STD, as a starting point to plan adequate information campaigns and specific prevention strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Confidential HIV testing and condom promotion in Africa. Impact on HIV and gonorrhea rates.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling on self-reported condom and spermicide use and on corresponding HIV seroconversion and gonorrhea rates in urban Rwandan women. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 2 years of follow-up, comparison of outcome variables before and after an intervention, and condom use measured in a control group that did not receive the intervention. SETTING: Outpatient research clinic in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand four hundred fifty-eight childbearing women, 32% of whom were infected with HIV, were enrolled in a prospective study in 1988, and followed at 3- to 6-month intervals for 2 years. Follow-up was available for 95% of subjects at year 1 and 92% at year 2. INTERVENTIONS: An acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) educational videotape, HIV testing and counseling, and free condoms and spermicide were provided to all participants and interested sexual partners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-report of compliance with condom-spermicide use and observed incidence of HIV and gonorrhea. RESULTS: Only 7% of women reported ever trying condoms before the intervention, but 22% reported condom use with good compliance 1 year later. Women who were HIV-positive were more likely to adopt condom use than HIV-negative women (36% vs 16%; P < .05). Independent predictors of condom use, both in HIV-positive and in HIV-negative women, included HIV testing and counseling of the male partner, having a nonmonogamous relationship, and believing condoms were not dangerous. Human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion rates decreased significantly (from 4.1 to 1.8 per 100 person-years; P < .04) in women whose partners were tested and counseled. The prevalence of gonorrhea decreased substantially (13% to 6%; P < .05) among HIV-positive women, with the greatest reduction among condom users (16% to 4%; P < .05). CONCLUSION: A confidential HIV testing and counseling program was associated with increased use of condoms and reduced rates of gonorrhea and HIV in urban Rwandan women. The lack of risk reduction in HIV-negative women whose partner's serostatus was unknown was of concern. Interventions that promote HIV testing and counseling for both members of a couple should be considered in other high-prevalence areas.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2002

[Use of the male condom at schools and universities: survey with 1065 young people].

From February 25th to June 28th of 1999, the authors carried out a prospective and descriptive study of the use of the preventive male condom in schools and universities through an anonymous inquiry questionary dealing with 1065 persons involving 650 boy students, 181 girl students, 128 college boys and 106 college girls. The questionnary involved 5 headings: the socio-demographic characteristics, the use of condoms, the sources of information and supply, the number of partners, and information about the prices. The inquiry essentially let out that: 56.4% of target population used the male condom. Boys used condoms more often than girls. Most of the boys who used condoms were unmarried. Young people used condoms for preventive purpose against STD/AIDS and for contraception in 82.5 cases. The reason more oftenly given by those who didn't like condoms was the reduction of the sexual delight. The mature age and highest level of instruction were factors predicting the use of condoms. About 2/3 of the information sources on condoms were from media. The drugstore was the main source of supply. More than half of the users wished an extension of the Condom commercialization. The problems of acceptability and access to condoms related more of religions and socio-cultural order than geographical and financial.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Quality control of condoms in Thailand: a case study.

The Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has implemented a series of measures to improve the quality of condoms. The main activities were: (1) issuance of a regulation requiring the labellings of the expiration date of condoms and setting a specification requirement on the physical properties of a standard condom to be imported into or manufactured in the country; (2) collaboration with concerned agencies and the private sector to enforce the ministerial regulation; (3) sampling of condoms for quality surveillance; and (4) intensive pre-marketing and post-marketing control programme. The results from the undertaking included: (1) 14-16 million pieces of inferior condoms were screened out of the market; (2) pre-marketing and post-marketing testing of condoms through scientific sampling and laboratory testing in 1993 found that 90 per cent and 89 per cent respectively passed which reflected a rapid increase from 75 per cent and 55 per cent in 1990; (3) active intersectoral collaboration and involvement of the private sector in quality control of condoms facilitated the pre-marketing and post-marketing control of condoms, as well as the screening and destroying of old lots of poor quality condoms; and (4) official designation of standard and criteria for determining the quality of condoms and packaging of condoms.

Condoms↗
PubMed1993

Factors associated with condom use by sexually active male adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of condom use in a population of male adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Clinical sites (school-based, adolescent and STD clinics) providing reproductive health care to male adolescents in a midwestern city. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixteen male adolescents 15 to 19 years of age were enrolled consecutively. OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects completed a multi-instrument questionnaire examining sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs about STDs and condoms, cognitive maturity, and health risk behaviors; urethral specimens were cultured for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. RESULTS: The median age was 17; 31% were white and 69% were African-American. Thirty-seven percent had urethral infections: 21% were infected with C trachomatis, 11% with N gonorrhoeae, and 5% with both organisms. More than 60% reported some experience with condoms and 23% reported condom use at last coitus. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, condom use for STD prevention was less likely among those reporting other health risk behaviors (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36 to 0.78; P < .001) and more STD risk behaviors (OR = 0.65; CI = 0.45 to 0.96; P = .03). Adolescents who were more highly motivated (OR = 1.58; CI = 1.09 to 2.30; P = .02) and who were more positive about condoms (OR = 1.83; CI = 1.25 to 2.68; P < .001) were more likely to report condom use for contraception. Adolescents using condoms for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) protection engaged in fewer behavioral (OR = .62; CI = 0.42 to 0.92; P = .02) and STD risks (OR = .67; CI = 0.45 to 0.99; P = .04). Three specific reasons for condom use were highly predictive of condom use at last intercourse: STD prevention (OR = 8.9; CI = 3.13 to 25.4; P < .001), birth control (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.05 to 4.25; P = .03), and AIDS prevention (OR = 2.4; CI = 1.05 to 5.42; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Condom use among adolescent males is influenced by perceived benefit, namely prevention of pregnancy & avoidance of STDs including AIDS. Nonuse is associated with other risk-taking behavior.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Optical testing of condoms.

Condoms provide one of the most important means of preventing pregnancy and the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Pinhole defects may lead to the passage of sperm or viruses through the condom wall. Embedded particles, which may become dislodged in handling or use, may represent latent pinhole defects. Thin regions in the condom wall may lead to breakage in use. Testing for such defects in regulatory laboratories, or in the factories as part of production screening or quality assurance efforts, is a major tool for ensuring condom reliability. A new optical method for testing condoms is presented, sensitive to pinholes, thin regions, and embedded particles. The method could supplement or replace the existing, less powerful, electrical test techniques in either regulatory testing laboratories or in the factory. The optical techniques presented provide quantitative data on the condoms tested, rather than just accept/reject decisions. They thus support detailed monitoring of production or lot characteristics that is generally not possible with existing electrical techniques. The ability of the optical techniques to separately test for and identify not only pinholes, but also thin regions and embedded particles, which are not separately tested for with the electrical technologies, is an especially important new capability. Further, the new optical techniques allow the locations of defects found to be precisely marked, making possible a microscopic examination of defects useful in studying their structure and possible causes. The optical technique is also totally nondestructive, in that it does not alter the defects whose structures are of interest. Initial results are reported on the testing of latex condoms purchased in retail stores. Condoms identified optically as being potentially defective were subjected to industry standard leak and burst testing. Results of the various tests are summarized. The data suggest that use of the new optical test techniques could have prevented an unexpectedly large number of condoms with significant pinhole and thin region defects from reaching the public. Optical test systems could be used to support either regulatory, quality assurance, or clinical field testing of latex or nonlatex condoms. Due to their high rate capability and level of automation, they could also be applied to 100% screening testing in the factory. The new test techniques could also be used to detect defects in a wide range of other thin sheets and membranes.

Condoms↗
PubMed1998

Does additional lubrication affect condom slippage and breakage?

The risk of condom slippage (1.94%) and breakage (0.89%) among 3607 condoms was analysed with respect to the use of additional lubricant. Whether or not lubricant was used, the site at which it was applied and the type of lubricant used were all found to vary significantly with the type of sexual act(s) for which the condoms were used. Little evidence was found for differing effects of type of additional lubricant (water-based, saliva or other) or site of lubricant use (on penis/inside condom, on condom, in vagina/anus). The use of lubricant more than doubles the risk of slippage for vaginal sex. While anal sex is associated with much higher risks of slippage the use of lubricant for this practice actually reduces the risk of slippage to that similar for vaginal sex where lubricant is used. No significant effect of additional lubricant on condom breakage was observed. It is recommended that education messages concerning the use of additional lubricant may need to change to take into account the varied nature of lubricant use practices and the differential effects of lubricant with respect to sexual practices. Specifically, if the use of additional lubricant has little or no impact on condom breakage but increases condom slippage then encouraging its use may be counterproductive if condom users consider slippage to be a reason not to use condoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Health knowledge and beliefs as predictors of intended condom use among Zimbabwean adolescents in probation/remand homes.

The association of AIDS knowledge, perceived susceptibility to HIV, efficacy of preventive measures, severity of HIV infection, cues to action, barriers to action and alcohol/drug use with intended condom use was examined among Zimbabwean adolescents (mean age = 16.9) in probation/remand homes. Eighty-six percent of males and 83% of females were reportedly sexually experienced of whom 28% of males and 14% of females reported consistent condom use. Those who knew that babies can be born with AIDS, that there is no vaccine against HIV and that traditional healers cannot cure AIDS were 2.50, 2.32 and 1.97 times as likely to definitely intend to use condoms. Individuals who believed condoms seldom break or leak and are effective against HIV were 4.12 and 4.65 times as likely to definitely intend to use them. Those who believed parents and boyfriend/girlfriends thought condoms should be used were 2.27 and 2.13 times as likely to intend to use them. Respondents who had talked about AIDS with friends, with their boyfriend/girlfriend or a schoolteacher or seen a picture or film of a PWA were, in comparison to those who had not engaged in these actions, 3.70, 2.33, 2.43 and 2.50 times as likely to definitely intend to use condoms. Those who were embarrassed to get condoms from a clinic, thought persons who use condoms are loose and or that the pleasure of unprotected sex was worth the risk of HIV were 3.87, 3.42 and 3.40 times as likely to intend to use condoms. Logistic regression identified belief in efficacy of condoms as the principal predictor of intended condom use.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A study of the deficiencies in the condom-use skills of gay men.

The use of condoms has been advocated as an important method of reducing the risk of AIDS for such people as gay men, prostitutes, IV drug users, adolescents, hemophiliacs, and others who may become infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. Although AIDS risk-reduction programs have provided information on condoms, none has assessed baseline or followup skills in their use. Because most condom failures have been attributed to errors in use, promoters of condom use should determine whether they are used correctly among those persons targeted for education. A total of 219 gay men entering an AIDS risk-reduction program were asked to demonstrate the use of condoms on a model. All errors made during the demonstration were corrected, and participants were trained during the exercise in the proper use of condoms. More than 80 percent required correction in such things as opening the package, determining the outside of the condom, unrolling the condom to the base of the penis, and expressing air from the space at the tip of the penis. Although proper use of condoms may seem obvious, this small study demonstrates that it must be taught. Since instructions found in condom packaging frequently are not easily understood by potential users, explicit instructions for condom use are needed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

HIV risk difference between condom users and nonusers among U.S. heterosexual women.

Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimate that among 3,498,060 U.S. reproductive-age women least likely to be protected from HIV, 12% rely on condoms for birth control. We have modeled the risk difference between condom users and nonusers and projected the number of preventable and nonpreventable HIV infections likely to occur among the 419,201 condom users as a function of 50 HIV-incidence/relative risk assumptions. Results of the attributable-risk model suggest that at the current low HIV-incidence level in U.S. women, condom-user failure rates will be less than 1% per year, substantially lower than the 10% condom-user failure rate for pregnancy. As few as 1% but up to 11% of all new HIV cases may be prevented by the current low level of condom use, depending on the exact degree of condom effectiveness in this population at risk. However, the model further projects that up to 45% of all new HIV cases may be prevented if condoms are maximally effective and far more widely used. Women with seropositive partners may enjoy the same protective benefits of condoms, but the costs in terms of condom-user failures will be much higher than in the remainder of the population at risk. Among serious and reliable users, condom-user failure rates for HIV may approach those for pregnancy, but only in women who have known seropositive partners.

Adolescent↗