A survey of condom users.

A survey was conducted among condom users at 1 distribution center in Ahmedabad India. 500 cases were selected out of 900 cases registered. Demographic characteristics of the acceptors were surveyed. There was no differential acceptability according to religion. Almost 1/2 of the condom acceptors were in the age group that should have been accepting sterilization. The pregnancy rate i.e. the failure rate of the method was 3.78%. Continuation rates were: 56% at 3 months 19.7% at 9 months and 19% at 1 year. On the basis of the pregnancy rate the method was found to be highly effective despite a low continuation rate and a certain level of risk-taking. The impact of the condom usage was 40% drop in expected fertility. The demographic impact is less due to the low general rate of acceptance of condoms. The impact would be greater if the acceptance rate could be raised. Usage at present is limited due to lack of supplies. Effectiveness will increase also as the quality of the condoms increases.