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.
Hoffman
Susie
S
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
Exner
Theresa M
TM
Leu
Cheng-Shiun
CS
Ehrhardt
Anke A
AA
Stein
Zena
Z
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