Does a choice of condoms impact sexually transmitted infection incidence? A randomized, controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess whether providing a choice of condoms would increase condom acceptability, increase self-reported use, and decrease incident sexually transmitted infection.


METHODS
We randomized 414 men presenting with urethral discharge in Jamaica to receive either the "standard" clinic condom or a choice of 4 different types of condoms. Men were treated presumptively at enrollment and followed up at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months.


RESULTS
Participants in the choice group had a strong preference (P <0.01) for the most popular condom available in Jamaica. This preference did not translate into higher condom use (P = 0.16). The 6-month cumulative probability of first incidence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis was slightly higher in the choice group (21%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15-28%) versus the control group (17%; 95% CI, 11-23%); the difference in the survival curves was not significant (P = 0.35).


CONCLUSIONS
A choice of condoms may increase perceived acceptability but not lead to increased condom use and subsequently lower sexually transmitted infection rates.
Steiner
Markus J
MJ
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27707, USA. msteiner@fhi.org
Hylton-Kong
Tina
T
Figueroa
J Peter
JP
Hobbs
Marcia M
MM
Behets
Frieda
F
Smikle
Monica
M
Tweedy
Katie
K
Powell
Sharon
S
McNeil
Linda
L
Brathwaite
Alfred
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017280:Condoms / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014245:Trichomonas Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control