Condom use and risk of gonorrhea and Chlamydia: a systematic review of design and measurement factors assessed in epidemiologic studies.
BACKGROUND
Studies of condom use to reduce risk of most sexually transmitted infection provide inconsistent results. This inconsistency is often attributed to methodologic limitations yet has not been assessed systematically.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to review studies of condom use and risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia, and to evaluate the importance of 4 key design and measurement factors on condom effectiveness estimates.


METHODS
We reviewed studies published 1966-2004 to assess risk reduction for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia associated with male condom use.


RESULTS
Of 45 studies identified, most found reduced risk of infection associated with condom use. All studies reviewed had methodologic limitations: only 28 (62%) distinguished consistent from inconsistent use; 2 (4%) reported on correct use or use problems; 13 (29%) distinguished incident from prevalent infection; and one (2%) included a population with documented exposure to infection. Eight of 10 studies with 2 or more of these attributes reported statistically significant protective effects for condom use versus 15 of 35 studies with zero or one attribute (80% vs. 43%, P = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Condom use was associated with reduced risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia in men and women in most studies, despite methodologic limitations that likely underestimate condom effectiveness. Epidemiologic studies that better address these factors are needed to provide more accurate assessment of condom effectiveness.
Warner
Lee
L
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
Stone
Katherine M
KM
Macaluso
Maurizio
M
Buehler
James W
JW
Austin
Harland D
HD
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome