A cross-sectional survey of condom use in conjunction with other contraceptive methods.

ABSTRACT

PIP: During May 10-July 20, 1993, clinic staff interviewed 3136 women aged 12-45 attending 13 family planning clinics in southeastern Texas so researchers could determine the frequency of condom use for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women using other forms of contraception for pregnancy prevention. 30% had had unprotected intercourse at least once in the last month. Clients who planned to always use a contraceptive method in the future increased from 58% to 83% after counseling. After counseling, 31% planned to always use a condom in the future. Before the visit, 10% had always used a condom. After counseling, condom use with oral contraceptives, IUD, diaphragm, cervical cap, implants, Depo Provera, or sexual sterilization increased from 28% to 42%. 35% of clients used condoms when they thought that protection was needed. 72% were currently in a monogamous relationship. 10% considered themselves not at risk of HIV. Women with one sexual partner tended to think that they were not at risk of HIV or not concerned about HIV. They were much less likely to intend to use condoms in the future with another method than their counterparts. Three women had HIV infection. 4% had genital herpes. 13% had had another STD. 260 women (8%) had had intercourse with partners engaging in risky behavior. 47% of clients had at least one risk factor for HIV (e.g., recent STD). After counseling, condom use increased among clients with risk factors for HIV. These same clients were also more likely to use condoms than those with no risk factors. 17% of these clients planned to reduce condom use in the future, however. 22% of clients planned to decrease condom use in the future and use a contraceptive method to protect against pregnancy rather than STDs. These findings show that many women at risk for STDs who request contraception do not protect themselves from STDs, indicating an additional unmet need. The researchers suggest that there should be research and development for intervention methods for women at risk for STDs who stop using condoms when they receive another contraceptive method.