206044 Condom Use Skills and Condom Errors among a Sample of South African Adolescents

Monday, November 9, 2009

Shyam S. Jindal, BDS , Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL
Neha V. Desai, BDS , Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL
Anne-Gloria Moleko, Msc , Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Pradnya Khatavkar, MS, MHA , Stempel School of Public Health, AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, North Miami, FL
Michèle Jean-Gilles, PhD , AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Brenda Lerner, RN, PsyD , AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Jessy G. Dévieux, PhD , AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Robert Malow, PhD , AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Background:

South Africa has the highest numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS. The use of condoms to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is considered a primary element in HIV risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to examine skills and errors in condom use among a sample of South African adolescents.

Methods:

Condom use skills and Adolescent health questionnaires were analyzed for a sample of 83 adolescents in a pilot intervention study. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 4 month post-intervention for successful completion of twelve defined steps for using a condom correctly with a wooden penile model. Further comparisons were made between those who were sexually active versus those who were not. Statistical significance was tested using SPSS, Independent and paired t-test.

Results:

Ninety percent (n=75) of adolescents demonstrated a significant improvement in proper condom use (t=-8.560, df=74; p=0.000) and ninety-eight percent (n=81) demonstrated a significant reduction in errors during condom demonstration (t=3.354, df=80; p=.001) from baseline to 4 month follow up. There was a significant reduction in errors during the condom demonstration among adolescents who were sexually active compared to individuals who were not (t=2.609, df=76; p=.000) at baseline and follow up.

Conclusions:

These results highlight the importance of including condom use skills training in HIV prevention interventions for adolescents.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the role of condom skills training in HIV prevention. 2. Identify differences between adolescents who were sexually active and those who were not on the condom demonstration test. 3. Discuss the role of condoms in HIV risk reduction interventions.

Keywords: Condom Use, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have completed my Bachelors in Dental Sciences, and am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Health, with my major in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention. I have worked as a Research Assistant for projects aimed at prevention of HIV/AIDS. I am currently working as a graduate assistant for projects aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention. I worked with this project on designing and data analysis as a graduate assistant.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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