Female-condom use in a gender-specific family planning clinic trial.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated female-condom use among women participating in an HIV/STD intervention designed to reduce unprotected sex and expand prevention strategies.


METHODS
Women (n = 360) were recruited from a family-planning clinic and were randomized into an 8- or 4-session intervention group or a control group. We conducted follow-up interviews at 1, 6, and 12 months.


RESULTS
At 1 month, the odds ratios of first-time female-condom use were 9.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.01, 22.20) in the 8-session group and 4.39 (95% CI = 1.84, 10.49) in the 4-session group relative to controls. Repeated use (n = 21) was predicted by perceived ability to use, by self and partner satisfaction, by dislike of male condoms, and by previous diaphragm use.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender sensitive cognitive-behavioral interventions can influence women to try the female condom. To increase long-term use, interventions may need to include self-insertion practice and involvement of male partners.
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. hoffman@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu
Susie
S
Hoffman
Theresa M
TM
Exner
Cheng-Shiun
CS
Leu
Anke A
AA
Ehrhardt
Zena
Z
Stein
D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data