Does a choice of condoms impact sexually transmitted infection incidence? A randomized, controlled trial

Sex Transm Dis. 2006 Jan;33(1):31-5. doi: 10.1097/01.olq.0000187200.07639.c6.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether providing a choice of condoms would increase condom acceptability, increase self-reported use, and decrease incident sexually transmitted infection.

Study: We randomized 414 men presenting with urethral discharge in Jamaica to receive either the "standard" clinic condom or a choice of 4 different types of condoms. Men were treated presumptively at enrollment and followed up at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months.

Results: Participants in the choice group had a strong preference (P <0.01) for the most popular condom available in Jamaica. This preference did not translate into higher condom use (P = 0.16). The 6-month cumulative probability of first incidence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis was slightly higher in the choice group (21%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15-28%) versus the control group (17%; 95% CI, 11-23%); the difference in the survival curves was not significant (P = 0.35).

Conclusion: A choice of condoms may increase perceived acceptability but not lead to increased condom use and subsequently lower sexually transmitted infection rates.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / prevention & control
  • Condoms / classification*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology
  • Gonorrhea / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Trichomonas Infections / epidemiology
  • Trichomonas Infections / prevention & control