Correlates of condom breakage and slippage among university undergraduates.
An anonymous questionnaire was used to explore relationships between condom breakage, slippage and possible correlates in a sample of 428 single, never married college men and women. Specific condom use errors and problems that could lead to breakage and slippage were also examined. A three-month recall period was used. Breakage/slippage was found to be associated with never receiving instruction on correct condom use (P = 0.001), more than one sex partner (P = 0.001), more frequent use of condoms (P = 0.001), and partner(s) being less than highly motivated to use condoms (P = 0.02). Those reporting that condoms had contacted a sharp object were three times as likely to report breakage (P = 0.001). Those using condoms without proper lubrication (P = 0.006) and those experiencing loss of erection during sex (P = 0.001) were more likely to report slippage. Further research should investigate the efficacy of instruction addressing specific factors that may reduce the incidence of breakage/slippage, thereby enhancing condom effectiveness.
Yarber
William L
WL
Department of Applied Health Science at Indiana University, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. yarber@indiana.edu
Graham
Cynthia A
CA
Sanders
Stephanie A
SA
Crosby
Richard A
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D008153:Lubrication; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities