Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #101891

Richard Crosby, PhD, MA, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Ave., Lexington, KY 40506-0003, 859-257-5678, crosby@uky.edu

Background: Condom-associated discomfort may influence use of the male condom and could be clinically important if these problems lead to breakage or low motivation to use condoms. Objective: To identify the prevalence and types of discomforts reported by a sample of young men and women. Further, to identify associations between discomfort and three potential outcomes: breakage, not using condoms from start to finish of vaginal-penile intercourse (incomplete use), and comparatively less motivation to use condoms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 206 university students was conducted. The participation rate was 81%. A paper-and-pencil questionnaire (using a 3-month recall period) assessed discomfort and the potential outcome measures. Significant bivariate associations were tested to determine whether gender moderated the associations. Logistic regression determined the independent contribution of discomfort to condom breakage while controlling for demographic variables and lubrication practices. Results: Discomfort was reported by nearly one-third of the sample and included problems such as tightly fitting condoms, vaginal irritation, and loss of sensation. Discomfort was significantly associated with breakage (P=.0001), incomplete use (P=.0001), and less motivation to use condoms (P=.018). Gender moderated the latter two findings. Findings from the regression model indicated that students reporting discomfort were about 3.6 times more likely to also report breakage (P=.0009). Conclusion: Studies should continue to investigate potential associations between condom discomfort and various forms of condom failure. Prevention education may benefit young men and women by promoting several key practices such as adding lubricant to condoms before they dry out and acquiring condoms that fit properly.

Learning Objectives:

• Audience members will be able to identify potential reasons why condom discomfort is associated with various forms of conodm failure.
• Audience members will be able to articulate solutions to help people overcome problems with condom discomfort.

Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.