title: A meta-analysis of condom effectiveness in reducing sexually transmitted HIV.
abstract: Before condoms can be considered as a prophylaxis for sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), their efficacy must be considered. This paper reviews evidence on condom effectiveness in reducing the risk of heterosexually transmitted human HIV. A meta-analysis conducted on data from in vivo studies of HIV discordant sexual partners is used to estimate the protective effect of condoms. Although contraceptive research indicates that condoms are 87% effective in preventing pregnancy, results of HIV transmission studies indicate that condoms may reduce risk of HIV infection by approximately 69%. Thus, efficacy may be much lower than commonly assumed, although results should be viewed tentatively due to design limitations in the original studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1053.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Weller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D017280:Condoms; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*