Breakage and slippage of condoms among users in north Gondar Province, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of condom breakage and slippage among male condom users and to analyse some factors affecting condom breakage.

DESIGN

Prospective study undertaken from March to June 1996.

SETTING

Gondar, Teda and Aykel health centres in north Gondar province.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and seventy literate male condom users who volunteered to participate in the study were enrolled, but data were collected and analysed for 143 persons.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Condom breakage was measured as the number of condom broken while opening the package, putting on, during intercourse or withdrawal; and condom slippage was measured as the number of condoms slipped off the penis during intercourse or withdrawal.

RESULTS

Of 143 participants, 26.6% broke condoms. Total condom breakage rate was 4.6% and slippage rate was 0.1%; half of the condom breakage occurred at the tip. Condom breakage was more observed in less educated (p < 0.05). Breakage rate and experience of condom use were negatively correlated (r = -0.214, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

User's knowledge and experience reduce the breakage of condom.