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13th International AIDS ConferenceDurban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000 |
Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. MoOrC130)
Jivasak-Apimas S, Saba J, Chandelying V, Sakondhavat C, Kiriwat O, Rugpao S, Rojanapythayakorn W, Fontanet A
S. Jivasak-Apimas, P O Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Thailand, E-mail: afontanet@gggd.amsterdam.nl
BACKGROUND: The female condoms may offer an effective and self-controlled protection against HIV and STDs. Its acceptability was evaluated among sex workers in Thailand.
METHODS: As part of a trial evaluating the efficacy of a strategy combining male and female condoms in prevention of STDs among sex workers in Thailand, data on the acceptability of the device were obtained using a structured questionnaire after eight weeks of initial use.
RESULTS: The mean (median) number of female condoms used in the past eight weeks among 97 sex workers was 24.9 (13). The majority (66 = 68%) of sex workers said they were satisfied with the device, although there were still complaints with use of female condoms: difficulty in insertion (29%), pain (42%), too much lubricants (42%), itching (21%), and size too large (42%). Also, when asked whether they would use the female condoms in the future, assuming they would not pay for it, only 36% of the sex workers gave a positive response. In multivariate analysis, factors significantly (p>0.05) associated with satisfaction with the device were: willingness to discuss AIDS-related issues with clients; absence of pain while using the device; absence of itching while using the device; and considering the female condom as a safe method against HIV/STDs. Factors independently associated with a use of a higher number (- 30 versus > 30) of female condoms during the eight-week period were: having clients refusing to use the male condom; having clients who preferred the female condoms to the male condoms; and finding the female condoms comfortable to use.
CONCLUSION: Although sex workers were generally satisfied with the female condoms, only one third of sex workers would continue to use it after the trial period. Pain and difficulties in using the device, as well as clients reactions to it, were important determinants of the acceptability of the female condom.
Copyright © 2000 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.
