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Two heads are better than one: the association between condom decision-making and condom use errors and problems
R Crosby1, R Milhausen, S A Sanders
1College of Public Health, 121 Washington Ave., Lexington, KY 40506-0003, USA. crosby@uky.edu
Sexually Transmitted Infections
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Female involvement in condom use decisions may reduce errors like breakage and slippage. Men
Area of Science:
- Sexual health research
- Public health interventions
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Condom use errors and problems can undermine effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
- Decision-making processes regarding condom use may influence error rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare condom use errors and problems between men who made condom use decisions unilaterally versus mutually.
- To explore the relationship between decision-making and specific condom-related issues.
Main Methods:
- A web-based questionnaire was completed by nearly 2000 individuals.
- A sub-sample of 660 men who recently engaged in penile-vaginal sex with condom use was analyzed.
- Multivariate analyses controlled for age, marital status, and condom use experience.
Main Results:
- Unilateral decision-making by men was linked to higher odds of condom removal before sex completion, breakage, and slippage.
- Men's self-reported experience with condoms significantly correlated with seven out of nine assessed errors/problems.
- Less experienced condom users consistently reported more errors.
Conclusions:
- Female involvement in the decision to use condoms may offer protection against certain condom errors.
- Men's experience level with condoms can signal a need for targeted education on correct usage.
- Educational programs should encourage male partners to involve female partners in condom use decisions.
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