Male condom use and condom problems among women in Shanghai

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To explore the male condom use and the using problems as well as the influencing factors among Shanghai women. A prospective follow-up was conducted among 1 562 subjects who used either the condom or the combined regimen as their method for fertility regulation in nine districts in Shanghai. The study began in the October, 2003 with a baseline survey, and finished in the December, 2007. There were two groups, group I with condom use combined regimen (condom + ECP) and group II with condom use only. Totally 812 eligible subjects were assigned to group I, and 750 to group II. Data was collected with a daily diary card, on which menses, acts of intercourse, information on condom and ECP use, and condom using problems were recorded. Data were analyzed with binary logistic regression models adjusting the potential confounding factors. During the whole study years, in group I the mean condom using frequency was (59.5±17.9) times and the whole course condom using frequency was (58.1±18.5). In group II, the mean condom using frequency and the whole course condom using frequency are (57.4±19.0) and (56.4±19.7), respectively. The condom using problem rate (CUPR) in group I and group II in the first month were 5.05 and 9.64 per 100 condoms. With the progress of the study, the CUPR in both groups were decreasing. The total year's CUPR in group I and group II were 0.82% and 1.45% ( P =0.002). The study showed that the common condom using problems during the 1st year were too loose (41.9% in group I and 27.1% in group II), too long (15.6% in group I and 25.6% in group II), and too slippery (21.2% in group I and 20.2% in group II) among those reported condom using problems. Condom problems were more common in the inexperienced and in those who had not experienced problems previously. Subject's age, education and occupation might influence condom using problem rate. The condom using problems indicated that condom manufacturers should continue to refine the products so as to increase the condom acceptability. Experience was significant associated with condom using problem.