Problems with condom use not unusual among men who have sex with men.

2014 
Objectives To compare the occurrence of risk-inducing condom events (condom failures and incomplete use) and the frequency of their antecedents (condom errors fit/feel problems and erection problems) between black and white men who have sex with men (MSM) and determine the associations between risk-inducing condom events and their antecedents. Methods We studied cross-sectional data of 475 MSM who indicated using a condom as an insertive partner in the previous 6 months enrolled in a cohort study in Atlanta Georgia USA. Results Nearly 40% of black MSM reported breakage or incomplete use and they were more likely to report breakage early removal and delayed application of a condom than white MSM. Only 31% and 54% of MSM reported correct condom use and suboptimal fit/feel of a condom respectively. The use of oil-based lubricants and suboptimal fit/feel were associated with higher odds of reporting breakage (p=0.009). Suboptimal fit/feel was also associated with higher odds of incomplete use of condoms (p<0.0001). Conclusions Incomplete use of condoms and condom failures were especially common among black MSM. Our findings indicate that condoms likely offered them less protection against HIV/sexually transmitted infection when compared with white MSM. More interventions are needed particularly addressing the use of oil-based lubricants and suboptimal fit/feel of condoms.
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