5038.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Board 8

Abstract #2979

How many condoms? A method for projecting the realistic use of condoms for STI/HIV prevention

Steve Kinzett, MEd and Dana Gelfeld. FPLM Project, John Snow, Inc, 1616 N. Fort Myer Drive, 11th floor, Arlington, VA 22209, 703-528-7474, steve_kinzett@jsi.com

This paper addresses the problem of distinguishing between condoms used for family planning versus STI and HIV prevention for appropriate planning for prevention programs. Recent studies suggest that condoms are used more often outside of stable relationships, a trend that indicates a growing population of people at higher risk of contracting an STI or HIV through risky sexual behavior (FHI, 1998). Clinicians and logisticians must forecast the number of condoms that their programs will require in order to sufficiently meet the needs of their population both for family planning and for STI and HIV prevention.

In this paper, we recommend a methodology for estimating condom requirements for STI and HIV prevention based on certain demographic assumptions. The principal assumption is based on the consistent differences in male-reported condom use versus condom use reported by women of reproductive age in union from recent Demographic and Health Surveys. The application of this methodology using demographic data demonstrates that an average of 1.65 times as many condoms are used for STI and HIV prevention as for family planning in a cross section of 28 less-developed countries. This figure should be much higher if all those who engaged in pre-marital or extra-marital sexual relationships used condoms at every encounter. However, the projection methodology presented here gives a more realistic estimate of actual usage rather than theoretical usage.

Learning Objectives: 1. Differentiate between condoms used for family planning versus STI and HIV prevention; 2. Estimate realistic condom requirements for STI and HIV prevention programs; 3. Request and manage realistic quantities of condoms for cost-effectiveness and efficiency of prevention programs

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Condom Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA