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ABSTRACT: Objectives
To compare the occurrence of risk-inducing condom events (condom failures and incomplete use) and the frequency of their antecedents (condom errors, fit/feel problems and erection problems) between black and white men who have sex with men (MSM), and determine the associations between risk-inducing condom events and their antecedents.Methods
We studied cross-sectional data of 475 MSM who indicated using a condom as an insertive partner in the previous 6 months enrolled in a cohort study in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.Results
Nearly 40% of black MSM reported breakage or incomplete use, and they were more likely to report breakage, early removal and delayed application of a condom than white MSM. Only 31% and 54% of MSM reported correct condom use and suboptimal fit/feel of a condom, respectively. The use of oil-based lubricants and suboptimal fit/feel were associated with higher odds of reporting breakage (p=0.009). Suboptimal fit/feel was also associated with higher odds of incomplete use of condoms (p<0.0001).Conclusions
Incomplete use of condoms and condom failures were especially common among black MSM. Our findings indicate that condoms likely offered them less protection against HIV/sexually transmitted infection when compared with white MSM. More interventions are needed, particularly addressing the use of oil-based lubricants and suboptimal fit/feel of condoms.
SUBMITTER: Hernandez-Romieu AC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4408017 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Hernández-Romieu Alfonso C AC Siegler Aaron J AJ Sullivan Patrick S PS Crosby Richard R Rosenberg Eli S ES
Sexually transmitted infections 20140730 8
<h4>Objectives</h4>To compare the occurrence of risk-inducing condom events (condom failures and incomplete use) and the frequency of their antecedents (condom errors, fit/feel problems and erection problems) between black and white men who have sex with men (MSM), and determine the associations between risk-inducing condom events and their antecedents.<h4>Methods</h4>We studied cross-sectional data of 475 MSM who indicated using a condom as an insertive partner in the previous 6 months enrolled ...[more]