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Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and... Jan 1996To review factors associated with adolescent condom use for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review factors associated with adolescent condom use for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
DATA SOURCES
Thirty-six references on adolescent development, STDs, STD risk factors, and factors influencing condom use among heterosexual adolescents.
STUDY SELECTION
Twenty-two research articles addressing issues influencing condom use by heterosexual adolescents.
DATA SYNTHESIS
This review identifies unique risk factors related to adolescents and their risk for STDs, barriers to and facilitators of condom use, and suggestions for health care providers to increase condom use among adolescents.
CONCLUSIONS
Although research on condom use among adolescents has inherent difficulties, current findings, along with reported high rates of STDs in this population, indicate infrequent and inconsistent condom use. Many factors contribute to the motivation for condom use and should be assessed individually. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, health care providers can guide the adolescent to make realistic risk assessments and identify positive ways of incorporating condoms into their sexual lives. Further research then must be conducted to test the effectiveness of this approach.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Condoms; Female; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Models, Psychological; Psychology, Adolescent; Risk Factors; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 8627404
DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.1996.tb02514.x -
Annals of Global Health 2022Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, remain a significant public health challenge for low- and middle-income countries, and about 111 million unintended... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, remain a significant public health challenge for low- and middle-income countries, and about 111 million unintended pregnancies occur in these countries annually. The female condom is the only commonly available method that affords women and girls more control in protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections, as well as unintended pregnancies. Yet, the female condom only accounts for 1.6% of total condom distribution worldwide.
OBJECTIVES
To help fill the gaps in an understanding of what works for improved acceptability and use of the female condom in low- and middle-income countries, we conducted a systematic review of the literature that focuses on acceptability of the FC, as examined in the specific settings of intervention programs or research in low- and middle-income countries.
METHODS
We conducted a preliminary search of two purposively selected databases (PubMed and POPLINE) for English language articles from 2009 to 2019 with the keyword "female condom." PubMed yielded 145 articles, while POPLINE yielded 164 articles. Included studies involve a purposive, interventional deployment of the female condom; have occurred in a low- or middle-income country, as defined by the World Bank; and have focused on acceptability of the female condom. Upon review of duplicates and abstracts, a total of 14 articles made the final selection.
FINDINGS
The included articles represent seven different countries: the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, China, Malaysia, Nicaragua, South Africa, and Uganda. We identified four key barriers to FC acceptability, including partner acceptability, functionality, aesthetics, and access. We identified four key facilitators to FC acceptability, including repeated use, supportive attitudes, protection confidence, and reproductive control.
CONCLUSION
Effective promotion and uptake of the female condom in low- and middle-income countries can be realized if novel strategies and approaches are implemented to tackle persistent barriers to acceptability.
Topics: Condoms, Female; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; South Africa
PubMed: 35433283
DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3612 -
Sexual Health Mar 2012South Africa has responded to the sexually transmissible infection and HIV epidemic with a rapid expansion of its national-level public sector condom program. Male... (Review)
Review
South Africa has responded to the sexually transmissible infection and HIV epidemic with a rapid expansion of its national-level public sector condom program. Male condoms are available widely at no cost in the public sector, with expanded access via social marketing and the private sector. The female condom program is one of the largest and best established globally. National surveys show progressive increases in rates of condom use at last sex. However, inconsistent and incorrect condom use and the likelihood that condoms are discontinued in longer-term partnerships are some of the challenges impeding the condom program's successes in the fight against sexually transmissible infections and HIV. This article reviews the current condom program, related guidelines and policies, and the existing data on male and female condom use, including distribution and uptake. We discuss the main challenges to condom use, including both user and service-related issues and finally how these challenges could be addressed.
Topics: Condoms; Contraception Behavior; Female; HIV Infections; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Marketing of Health Services; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Satisfaction; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Social Conditions; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Vulnerable Populations
PubMed: 22348633
DOI: 10.1071/SH11011 -
Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted... 2015Though many methods of prevention of STI/HIV are available, condoms remain of utmost importance. They have gone a long way from the oiled silk paper used by the Chinese... (Review)
Review
Though many methods of prevention of STI/HIV are available, condoms remain of utmost importance. They have gone a long way from the oiled silk paper used by the Chinese and the hard sheaths made of tortoise- shell used by the Japanese to the latex condoms of today. The breakthrough came when the rubber vulcanization process was invented by Charles Goodyear and eventually the first rubber condom was made. The condom offers maximum protection( more than 90%) against HIV, Hepatitis B virus and N.Gonorrhoea. They also offer protection in scenarios when alternate sexual practices are adapted. The female condom in the only female driven contraceptive method available today. Graphene and Nano lubricated condoms are new in the market and others in futuristic approach may include wearable technology/Technology driven condom and invisible Condoms. Both Correct and Consistent use of condoms needs to be promoted for HIV/STI prevention.
PubMed: 26692603
DOI: 10.4103/0253-7184.167135 -
Archives of Sexual Behavior Nov 2020Beyond the monopoly environment of the early 100% Condom Use Program in Cambodia, less is known about how current female entertainment workers negotiate condom use on...
Beyond the monopoly environment of the early 100% Condom Use Program in Cambodia, less is known about how current female entertainment workers negotiate condom use on their own, and what factors impact that negotiation. This study aims to understand the experiences of current female entertainment workers in negotiating condom use with clients in Cambodia. Data collection occurred over a period of 3 weeks (August-September 2017) with concurrent data transcription and translation. A total of 27 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in the following groups: pilot FGD (5), karaoke bar (5), massage parlor (5), beer garden (5), on-call sex workers (3), cross-venue groups exploring parenting issues (2), and street-based sex workers (2). Female entertainment workers experience a range of control over negotiating condom use with clients. Participants reported times when they were able to take direct action and successfully insist on condom use, times when they agreed to participate in condomless sex for money in the face of economic insecurity, and times when male clients sabotaged their attempts to negotiate condom use with tricks, verbal threats or threats of violence. These experiences are influenced by alcohol use, economic shocks, trust between partners, and experiences with side effects. Our findings support the development of policies that re-invigorate the structural-level condom promotion programs while also acknowledging the many individual-level factors that shape condom use such as alcohol consumption, economic insecurity, trust, and side effects.
Topics: Cambodia; Condoms; Female; Humans; Negotiating; Safe Sex; Sex Workers
PubMed: 32211995
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01649-3 -
Culture, Health & Sexuality 2013This paper examines the structural influence of sex work venues on condom use among female sex workers in the Senggigi area of Lombok, Indonesia. A cross-sectional...
This paper examines the structural influence of sex work venues on condom use among female sex workers in the Senggigi area of Lombok, Indonesia. A cross-sectional design employing ethnographic observation, structured interviews and hierarchical linear modelling was used to examine condom use among female sex workers who solicited clients at three types of sex work venues: (1) freelance locations, (2) brothels and (3) entertainment places (karaoke bars and massage parlours). The sample consisted of 115 women 'nested' within 16 sex work venues drawn from the three venue types. Rate (39%) of condom use varied across sex work venues. Perceived management style, HIV/AIDS-related policies and risk-reduction services differed by venue, but this variation did not explain differences in condom use. At the individual level, higher condom use was associated with female sex workers having ever been married. At the client level, condoms were more likely to be used with foreign rather than domestic/local Indonesian clients. Low rates of condom use among Indonesian female sex workers during commercial sex suggests the need for increased HIV-prevention efforts that acknowledge sex worker characteristics and relationships with clients that place them at risk. Future research into the effects of social context on HIV risk should also be considered.
Topics: Adult; Condoms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Indonesia; Qualitative Research; Sex Work; Sex Workers; Young Adult
PubMed: 23472595
DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2013.776112 -
Curationis Sep 2018The female condoms are a barrier method of contraception. The FC1 female condom is made from soft thin plastic called polyurethane and has been replaced by FC2 female...
BACKGROUND
The female condoms are a barrier method of contraception. The FC1 female condom is made from soft thin plastic called polyurethane and has been replaced by FC2 female condom, which is made of synthetic latex. The female condom is worn inside the vagina and acts as a barrier to prevent semen getting to the womb. It is about 75% - 82% effective with normal use. When used correctly all of the time, female condoms are 95% effective. Despite evidence of its effectiveness, the use of the female condom has continued to face resistance from both women and men.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to determine clients' level of knowledge of female condom, identify predominant methods of contraception, examine young women's views regarding the female condom and identify barriers to the use of female condoms by young women.
METHOD
A simple random sampling approach was used to recruit young women between 15 and 34 years in Jwaneng, Botswana. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaire from women accessing healthcare services in the three health facilities in 2015. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and the chi-square test techniques were applied using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical programme version 23 for Windows to analyse data.
RESULTS
The findings based on factor loadings show low utilisation of the female condom and highlights the significant challenges about the material, size, shape and timing of insertion. Respondents had stronger views on the structure of the condom. There was no significant relationship between attitude and method of contraception.
CONCLUSION
Acceptability of the female condom involves complex factors such as women position and decision-making power in a relationship, attitude and knowledge. Attitude, knowledge and power relations play a role in the extent to which women would want to try or use it. Various strategies need to be developed to effectively promote the female condom amongst young women.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Botswana; Condoms, Female; Contraception Behavior; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Women's Health; Young Adult
PubMed: 30326709
DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v41i1.1887 -
Contraception: X 2023To assess preferences for female condom (FC) colors and scents.
OBJECTIVES
To assess preferences for female condom (FC) colors and scents.
STUDY DESIGN
Women aged 18-40 years were randomized to one of three FCs (FC2, Cupid1, Cupid2) two of which offered a choice of color and scent (red/strawberry, purple/vanilla, natural/unscented). Women could choose any variety within condom types while participating in an FC contraceptive efficacy study in South Africa.
RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-three women were allocated to each FC type. Strawberry was the most popular variety for both FC2 and Cupid1 (60.9%, 78.3% respectively). Some women chose more than one variety but few chose the natural.
CONCLUSIONS
Data support a clear preference for colored and scented FCs.
IMPLICATIONS
These data can inform FC programme managers to predict demand for different varieties of FC and can adjust supply of FCs accordingly.
PubMed: 37554547
DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2023.100095 -
PloS One 2021The female condom is the only female-initiated form of protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). However, use of this method...
BACKGROUND
The female condom is the only female-initiated form of protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). However, use of this method in Australia is low. To better understand women's views and experiences of the female condom, we conducted an interventional cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Cisgender women ≥16 years, heterosexually active and living in New South Wales were recruited through social media advertisements and email invitations to clients of a family planning service. Eligible participants were provided with three female condoms and invited to complete a follow-up survey. Survey responses for women who attempted to use at least one female condom were summarised using counts and proportions.
RESULTS
We recruited 556 women; few (30/556) had used the female condom before the study. There were 284 women who used, or attempted to use, a female condom during the study and completed the follow-up survey. Fifty-one percent (104/205) reported experiencing some difficulty in insertion, although only 46% (130/284) had seen an instructional demonstration. Approximately half (105/204) of women rated the sensation and comfort of the female condom as the same or better than the male condom, and 66% (137/204) reported that it provided the same or better lubrication. Approximately half of women said they would consider using the female condom again for STI prevention (51% (133/260)) or contraception (40% (103/260)), or would recommend to others (43% (112/260)).
CONCLUSION
Findings highlight the need for increased health promotion and education regarding use of the female condom. To increase access it will be important to address method cost and availability in Australia. Future research should explore other perspectives of this method, including among the LGBTIQ+ community.
Topics: Adult; Condoms, Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Planning Services; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; New South Wales; Pregnancy; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33606704
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246664