Breakage and slippage of condoms among users in north Gondar Province, Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of condom breakage and slippage among male condom users and to analyse some factors affecting condom breakage.


METHODS
Prospective study undertaken from March to June 1996.


METHODS
Gondar, Teda and Aykel health centres in north Gondar province.


METHODS
One hundred and seventy literate male condom users who volunteered to participate in the study were enrolled, but data were collected and analysed for 143 persons.


METHODS
Condom breakage was measured as the number of condom broken while opening the package, putting on, during intercourse or withdrawal; and condom slippage was measured as the number of condoms slipped off the penis during intercourse or withdrawal.


RESULTS
Of 143 participants, 26.6% broke condoms. Total condom breakage rate was 4.6% and slippage rate was 0.1%; half of the condom breakage occurred at the tip. Condom breakage was more observed in less educated (p < 0.05). Breakage rate and experience of condom use were negatively correlated (r = -0.214, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
User's knowledge and experience reduce the breakage of condom.
Mekonen
E
E
Department of Community Health, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Ethiopia.
Mekonen
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005002:Ethiopia; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors