142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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311242
One Size Does Not Fit All: Exploring the Condom Use Experiences and Attitudes of Heterosexual Men in Cape Town, South Africa

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Jose Guillen, B.A., B.S. , Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Purpose                      

Despite widespread availability of free condoms, South Africa continues to experience extremely high HIV prevalence (17.1%) and incidence (4.4% per 100 person-years). However, issues with condom fit result in usage problems, and reduced acceptability. This study explored heterosexual men’s experiences with condoms, as well as their interest in fitted-condoms.

Methodology

Using convenience sampling at city health clinics and truck stops, 133 heterosexual men completed a self-administered survey of condom experiences and attitudes. Data were analyzed for descriptive purposes, and Chi-square tests were used to explore possible correlations for interest in fitted-condoms.

Results

            Respondents came from a variety of racial, religious, and economic backgrounds.

Overall, 67% of participants reported at least one problem with condom fit or function: condom length (22%); width (31%); 53% reported breakage; and 41% reported slippage; 32% reported non-condom use at last sex.

The majority (77%) would prefer condoms to come in more sizes. This preference was sustained regardless of education level (Pearson X2.09, p  < .554), race (p < 0.19), religion (p < 0.70), or income (p < 0.07). Moreover, 72% reported they would be more likely to use condoms if they were custom-fitted.

Conclusions

            The results suggest that South African men experience significant problems with condoms, and that demand for novel condom sizes is universally high. Increasing availability of custom-fitted condoms may lead to increased use among heterosexual men, thus potentially reducing the sexual transmission of HIV.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify the specific condom use experiences and attitudes of heterosexual South African men Evaluate the need for novel condom options among heterosexual South African men

Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a student researcher and student of public health at Emory University, I helped to develop and carry out this research in Cape Town, South Africa.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.