Preliminary comparison of the polyurethane female condom with the latex male condom in Kenya.
32
Citation
0
Reference
10
Related Paper
Citation Trend
Abstract:
This paper summarizes acceptability data published to date on the innovative female condom, and presents an additional study comparing the acceptability of the female condom and the latex male condom in a sample of low risk women attending private obstetrician/ gynaecologists' clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. Eighty-four percent of all subjects who completed interviewer-assisted questionnaires reported that they liked using the female condom, and more than two-thirds of all the women liked the female condom as much or better than the male condom. Fifty-five percent of the women would use the device in future if it were available. The least liked features were that the device was too large for easy insertion, messy to handle, and reduced sensation. Use became easier and more comfortable with experience. The most liked features were that the device made sex more enjoyable, protected against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and was under the woman's control. Male partner response was slightly less favourable, and sometimes resulted in women's noncompliance or discontinuation of use, despite the fact that such a device is supposed to empower women. This study provides preliminary data indicating that the female condom is a fairly acceptable method for some Kenyan couples, but recommends further research into safety, cost-effectiveness and hindrances to acceptability.A survey of 48 female volunteers recruited from 3 private gynecology-obstetrics clinics in Nairobi, Kenya, revealed preliminary support for the female condom as an acceptable family planning method. In the study's first phase, women were provided with 2 male and 2 female condoms to be used in the ensuing 3 weeks. In the second phase, they were supplied with 4 more female condoms. A total of 113 female condoms were used during the 2 study phases. Overall, 84% of women expressed favorable reactions to the female condom and 55% indicated they would use this method in the future were it available. In the first phase, 39% stated they preferred the female to the male condom, while 37% liked the 2 condoms about the same; all 12 women who completed the second phase preferred the female condom, suggesting that use becomes easier and more comfortable with time. Although 55% of male partners were reported to like the female condom the same or better than the male condom, and 39% liked it less; male partner disapproval was a major factor in study discontinuation. Enhanced enjoyment of sex, protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and female control were the most frequently cited positive attributes of the female condom; the device's large size, messiness, and reduced sensation were its least liked characteristics. Insertion difficulties and discomfort caused by the device's outer ring were common. There were 3 incidents (2.7%) of condom breakage and 11 (10%) of condom displacement during intercourse. More research on acceptability, cost-effectiveness, and safety is required before the female condom is slated for large-scale distribution in Kenya.Keywords:
Female condom
Discontinuation
Kenya
Cite
This study is based on information collected in the 2002 Demographic and Health Survey for 2002 in Jordan. The raw data were obtained on CD and analyzed to achieve the study objective, that is, to measure and understand dynamics of contraceptive use and their reasons and differentials by a number of background variables. The dynamics included: contraceptive discontinuation rate by method, reason and destination after discontinuation, contraceptive switching behavior and contraceptive failure rates.
The research findings showed that there has been an increase in Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) and a decline in contraceptive discontinuation rate in Jordan in the last decade. CPR increased from 40% in 1990 to 56% in 2002 and 12-month discontinuation rate dropped to 42% in 2002. The dominant modern method (IUD) is used more in urban areas and central region, and among older and educated mothers. On the contrary, traditional methods are more prevalent in rural areas, north and south region, and among younger and less educated mothers. When each method is examined alone, the highest discontinuation rates are found for vaginal methods (Diaphragm/Foam/Jelly), and the condom, followed by pill, injections, periodic abstinence and withdrawal. The lowest discontinuation rate was for IUD and Norplant. Discontinuation rates varied by background characteristics of respondents, such as place of residence, age and education.
For users who discontinued use, the highest ratio was due to women’s desire to get pregnant followed by both method failure and side effects of method, then husband’s disapproval and health concerns. Around one third of women indicated reasons of discontinuation related to pregnancy (contraceptive failure and desire to get pregnant) meaning that both groups of women don’t need to switch to other methods. These women are mostly urban, from south and central regions, aged 15-29 and have higher education. About 11% of the women stated that they abandoned the use of contraceptives because they are fed up with the method although they need one. Another 10% switched to a modern method and around 5% changed their modern method to a traditional one.
The 12-month crude failure rate for all methods is 12.5%. Crude failure rates for various methods greatly differed from one another. The IUD showed the lowest failure rate (1.4%). This is because user’s errors are seldom found in the IUD use. Due to users’ error, failure rates for the pill came next (13%). The highest crude failure rates were for the traditional methods (periodic abstinence 32%; withdrawal 20%), and the condom; (18%). Failure rates varied according to women’s residence, age and education.
The main conclusion of the study is that Jordanian family planning programs should pay attention to couples who discontinue contraceptive use due to methods' failure and untreated side effects, especially to those who switch to traditional methods or abandon method use although they need to use one in order to avoid unintended pregnancies. Dynamic sociodemographic differentials should receive attention too.
Discontinuation
Pill
Cite
Citations (0)
Objective To compare the contraceptive efficacy of Sino female condom with condom. Methods 603 volunteer couples were randomly divided into two groups: 304 couples using female condom for contraception, and 299 using condom. Using lifetable method and log rank test, we compared the pregnancy rates and other discontinuation rates after follow up for 6 months in two groups. Results No abnormal findings of cervical and vaginal smears were detected before and after this clinical trial in all 603 women. The follow up rates at 6 months were 99.01% and 99.67% in the female condom group and condom group, respectively. The 6 month gross cumulative pregnancy rates were 1.06 and 1.69 per 100 women and the discontinuation rates due to allergy were 1.39 and 0.34, respectively. No difference was statistically significant ( P 0.05). However, the discontinuation rate for other causes in the female condom group was significantly higher than that in the condom group ( P 0.01). The main cause was that more than half of subjects were used to applying condom before this study. Conclusion The contraceptive efficacy of Sino female condom is as same as that of condom, and its clinical use is quite safe.
Discontinuation
Female condom
Cite
Citations (0)
This paper summarizes acceptability data published to date on the innovative female condom, and presents an additional study comparing the acceptability of the female condom and the latex male condom in a sample of low risk women attending private obstetrician/ gynaecologists' clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. Eighty-four percent of all subjects who completed interviewer-assisted questionnaires reported that they liked using the female condom, and more than two-thirds of all the women liked the female condom as much or better than the male condom. Fifty-five percent of the women would use the device in future if it were available. The least liked features were that the device was too large for easy insertion, messy to handle, and reduced sensation. Use became easier and more comfortable with experience. The most liked features were that the device made sex more enjoyable, protected against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and was under the woman's control. Male partner response was slightly less favourable, and sometimes resulted in women's noncompliance or discontinuation of use, despite the fact that such a device is supposed to empower women. This study provides preliminary data indicating that the female condom is a fairly acceptable method for some Kenyan couples, but recommends further research into safety, cost-effectiveness and hindrances to acceptability.A survey of 48 female volunteers recruited from 3 private gynecology-obstetrics clinics in Nairobi, Kenya, revealed preliminary support for the female condom as an acceptable family planning method. In the study's first phase, women were provided with 2 male and 2 female condoms to be used in the ensuing 3 weeks. In the second phase, they were supplied with 4 more female condoms. A total of 113 female condoms were used during the 2 study phases. Overall, 84% of women expressed favorable reactions to the female condom and 55% indicated they would use this method in the future were it available. In the first phase, 39% stated they preferred the female to the male condom, while 37% liked the 2 condoms about the same; all 12 women who completed the second phase preferred the female condom, suggesting that use becomes easier and more comfortable with time. Although 55% of male partners were reported to like the female condom the same or better than the male condom, and 39% liked it less; male partner disapproval was a major factor in study discontinuation. Enhanced enjoyment of sex, protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and female control were the most frequently cited positive attributes of the female condom; the device's large size, messiness, and reduced sensation were its least liked characteristics. Insertion difficulties and discomfort caused by the device's outer ring were common. There were 3 incidents (2.7%) of condom breakage and 11 (10%) of condom displacement during intercourse. More research on acceptability, cost-effectiveness, and safety is required before the female condom is slated for large-scale distribution in Kenya.
Female condom
Discontinuation
Kenya
Cite
Citations (32)
The female condom is the only current method for female partners to simultaneously prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Studies of various contraceptive methods suggest that providers’ acceptance and endorsement may be a key factor in their clients’ uptake and continued use of a method. Our aim in this study was to assess the relationship between nurses’ knowledge of and their willingness to promote female condom use in 18 public healthcare facilities within the Johannesburg District. The mean score of correct answers of 398 nurses completing an anonymous, self-administered, six-item questionnaire was 4 out of a maximum of 6. Data analysis included the use of descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. It was found that 79% of participants were knowledgeable but only 59% were willing to promote female condom use. There was no association between knowledge of and willingness to promote female condom use. The following significant associations with knowledge and willingness to promote female condom use were found: family planning experience, being employed by a local government authority, working in a primary care clinic and having had informal training on female condom use. Informal training of nurses within the family planning unit in the clinics has the potential to improve nurses’ knowledge and willingness to promote female condom use.
Significance:
This is the first study conducted in South Africa on the knowledge of and willingness of healthcare providers to promote female condom use.
An effective strategy is needed to motivate healthcare workers to promote female condom use with their patients.
Informal training of nurses within the family planning unit has the potential to improve nurses’ knowledge of and willingness to promote female condom use.
Female condom
Cite
Citations (2)
To compare the contraceptive efficacy of Sino-female condom with condom.603 volunteer couples were randomly divided into two groups: 304 couples using female condom for contraception, and 299 using condom. Using lifetable method and log rank test, we compared the pregnancy rates and other discontinuation rates after follow-up for 6 months in two groups.No abnormal findings of cervical and vaginal smears were detected before and after this clinical trial in all 603 women. The follow-up rates at 6 months were 99.01% and 99.67% in the female condom group and condom group, respectively. The 6-month gross cumulative pregnancy rates were 1.06 and 1.69 per 100 women and the discontinuation rates due to allergy were 1.39 and 0.34, respectively. No difference was statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the discontinuation rate for other causes in the female condom group was significantly higher than that in the condom group (P < 0.01). The main cause was that more than half of subjects were used to applying condom before this study.The contraceptive efficacy of Sino-female condom is as same as that of condom, and its clinical use is quite safe.
Discontinuation
Female condom
Cite
Citations (3)
We conducted a cluster-randomized community intervention trial at Kenyan agricultural sites to measure the impact of female condom introduction on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence. We present male and female condom use data here. Six Intervention sites received a community risk-reduction campaign and distribution of female condoms and male condoms, while 6 Control sites received the same campaign with male condoms only. Male and female condom distribution increased throughout follow-up. Self-reported male condom use increased substantially during follow-up to over 60% of the participants. The proportion of consistent male condom users at Control sites was higher than at Intervention sites, 23% vs 14% at 6 months and 24% vs 22% at 12 months. At Intervention sites, 11% and 7% of women used the female condoms all the time at 6 and 12 months, respectively, while the percentage of female condom non-users grew. Male and female condom use was hindered by male partner objections; suspicion of the study and the devices among residents; and bias against condoms by clinic service providers. A large proportion of coital acts remained unprotected during the trial. Our female condom intervention did not reduce STI prevalence, compared with male condom promotion only.
Female condom
Kenya
Cite
Citations (40)
A six-month clinical trial of the female condom revealed failure rates of 12/100 users in the US and 22/100 users in Latin America. However among women who used the method consistently and correctly these rates were 3/100 and 10/100 respectively. The trial involved a total of 377 women 18-40 years of age recruited from six sites in the US and three in Latin America. Included among the stringent entry requirements were involvement in an ongoing monogamous relationship and a commitment to use the female condom as the only method of contraception for the six-month study period. US women were older more educated and significantly more likely to have previous experience with a barrier method than their Latin American counterparts. The contraceptive efficacy data were based on the 328 women who used the method at least once and returned for a minimum of one follow-up examination. 34% of the US women and 55% of those at the Latin American sites dropped out of the study before the six-month limit. Dislike of the device end of the sexual relationship or pregnancy were the most frequent reasons for study discontinuation. Of the 39 pregnancies recorded during the trial 24 were considered user failures. 62% of US and 70% of Latin American women acknowledged that they did not use the method as directed and 57% and 62% respectively did not use the condom at every act of intercourse. 45% of US women and 62% of Latin American women indicated a willingness to use female condoms in the future however and more than 80% indicated they would recommend the method to friends.
Female condom
Cite
Citations (0)
This study measured short-term female condom acceptability among 51 female sex workers in San José, Costa Rica. Each woman was trained in use of the female condom and was asked to use the device if clients refused to use male condoms during a 2-week study period (male condoms were also distributed). Two follow-up visits with short interviews were scheduled, including questions on general reaction to the female condom by the participants and their clients, ease and comfort of use, and preferences for male or female devices. At the first follow-up visit, 51% of the women reported they "liked the female condom very much" and 45% reported they "liked it somewhat." Similar results were reported after the second follow-up phase. Sixty-seven percent of the participants preferred the female condom over the male condom, and, according to the the women, over half of their clients liked the female condom "very much" or "somewhat." The most common problems during the first phase were difficulty to insert (61%) and discomfort (43%). However, during the second study phase a reduction in these problems (22% and 25%, respectively) and other use-related problems were noted. Although this new method is not yet available throughout Costa Rica, these results should encourage sexually transmitted diseases and HIV service organizations to make this method accessible to women.Costa Rica has an estimated population of 3.2 million people. Contraceptive prevalence in the country was 75% in 1993, 99% of married or cohabiting women have heard about male condoms, and 96% know where to get them, but only 16% use them. Other barrier methods are either not widely used or are unavailable. Barrier contraceptive methods, however, are the only type of contraceptives which can be used to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Even though female condoms are not yet widely available throughout Costa Rica, a study was conducted to assess short-term female condom acceptability among 51 female prostitutes in San Jose, Costa Rica. Each woman was trained how to use the female condom and asked to use it if clients refused to use male condoms during the 2-week study period. At the first of 2 scheduled follow-up visits, 51% of the women reported that they were thoroughly satisfied with the female condom, while 45% reported liking it somewhat. Similar results were reported after the second follow-up visit. 67% of the participants preferred the female condom over the male condom and the women reported that more than half of their clients liked the female condom either very much or somewhat. The most common problems encountered during the first phase of the study were difficulty in inserting the condom (61%) and discomfort (43%). However, the levels of these problems fell to 22% and 25%, respectively, during the second phase of study, while other use-related problems were noted. Study findings highlight the need to make female condoms more widely available in Costa Rica.
Female condom
Cite
Citations (28)
Using data from the 1982 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), this analysis reports differentials in contraceptive discontinuation among married women aged 15-44 years in the United States. The total discontinuation rate is broken down into change to no method (termination) or to a different method (a method switch), and rates are obtained for specific methods. In addition, sociodemographic differences in risks associated with each type of discontinuation are shown. Discontinuation rates are compared to use-failure rates to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of discontinuation for contraceptive efficacy.This study examines 2292 contraceptive use-intervals of 1505 currently married women, aged 15-44, obtained from the Cycle III National Survey of Family Growth. The use-intervals occurred between January 1979 and August 1982, and the analysis is limited to the 1st 12 months of exposed use. From this data a discrete-time, piece-wise exponential hazards model is used to construct 2 destination-specific models from which cumulative 12-month probabilities of stopping all method use and of switching methods can be estimated. The change model was affected only by current method type, duration of use, and race; the use-discontinuation model was affected by age and education as well. A high proportion of discontinuation was to no method, ranging from 41.6% among condom users to 82.9% among rhythm users. Rhythm users showed the lowest (2.8%) probability of switching to another method. Total discontinuation rates for other nonpermanent methods were 25.7% for the pill, 21.4% for the IUD, 28.6% for the condom, 29.5% for the diaphragm, and 45.4% for spermicides. Spermicide discontinuers were more likely to adopt other methods than were the pill, IUD, condom, or diaphragm discontinuers. Black women had a lower risk of changing methods than white women, but they were much more likely to stop all method use. These findings suggest either that black women find no acceptable alternative methods or that they are more willing to accept an unintended pregnancy. Younger women and less educated women were more likely to stop method use, but neither education nor age affected switching. With the exception of the rhythm method, discontinuation rates and use-failure rates were positively correlated. However, pill and IUD discontinuation were probably more related to side effects than to failure. The only variable that affected discontinuation rates but had no effect on the risk of contraceptive use-failure was race. Black women had high rates of method abandonment even of highly reliable methods.
Discontinuation
Pill
Marital status
Cite
Citations (37)