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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Richard A. Crosby, PhD¹, William L. Yarber, HSD², Cynthia A. Graham, PhD³, Stephanie Sanders, PhD², Robin Milhausen, PhD⁴, and Kimberly McBride, PhD, MA⁵. (1) College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Ave, Suite 111, Lexington, KY 40506, Afghanistan, (2) Indiana University, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 40574, (3) Oxford Doctoral Course in Clinical Psychology, Oxford University, Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom, 01865 226431, cygraham@indiana.edu, (4) Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, (5) Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of condom breakage and general behavioral differences between young, heterosexually active, men reporting and not reporting this event. Also, to identify condom-specific behaviors associated with breakage. Methods: Young men (n = 278) attending an STI clinic responded to an anonymous questionnaire aided by a CD-recording of the questions. The sample was screened to include only men who had used a condom during penile-vaginal sex at least 3 times in the past 3 months. Condom-specific behaviors (including breakage) were assessed using these last 3 acts of condom use as the recall period. Correlates achieving bivariate significance were subjected to multivariate analysis. Results: Nearly one-third (31.3%) reported recent breakage. The breakage rate was 15%. Three correlates significantly distinguished general differences between men who did and did not report breakage. Men having past STIs were more likely to report breakage (AOR=2.0), as were men who also reported condom slippage (AOR=2.5), as well as men with lower self-efficacy to use condoms correctly (AOR=2.0). Further, 3 condom-specific behaviors were significantly associated with breakage. These were allowing condoms to contact sharp objects (AOR=2.6), experiencing problems with the "fit or feel" of condoms (AOR=2.3), and not squeezing air from the receptacle tip (AOR=2.0). Conclusions: Breakage may be common and may occur in a larger context of difficulties with condoms. STI clinics could potentially benefit some men by providing instruction in the correct use of condoms.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of this session, auidience members will be able to identify likely differences between men who do and do not experience condom breakage.

Keywords: Condom Use, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation