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