Condom use and sexual behaviors among individuals procuring free male condoms in South Africa: a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Although the South African government has increased the number of male condoms distributed free to the public, there is no understanding of whether these are being used effectively to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.


OBJECTIVE
The study goal was to determine sexual behaviors and barriers to condom use among individuals procuring condoms distributed free to the public sector.


METHODS
In a prospective study, individuals who procured condoms from 12 public health facilities across South Africa were recruited and observed for the next 5 weeks.


RESULTS
The 384 successfully observed subjects reported 3262 sexual contacts, of which 2637 (81%) involved protection with a condom. In multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption and use of other contraceptives were associated with unprotected sexual intercourse.


CONCLUSIONS
The levels of condom use are relatively high in this population, but these data highlight several important barriers to condom use that may be targeted by future interventions.
Myer
Landon
L
HIV Prevention and Vaccine Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Department of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. landon.myer@mrc.ac.za
Mathews
Catherine
C
Little
Francesca
F
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology