Will the Reality condom help to empower women? Focus groups urged
Contraceptive Technology Update 14(7): 107-109
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0274-726X PMID: 12286997 Document Number: 330973
The newly approved Reality condom is the first female-controlled method to offer protection from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, aggressive, creative promotional approaches must be developed to enable women to overcome initial distaste with the bulkiness of the device and discomfort with touching their own genitalia. A focus group format has been effective in creating positive attitudes toward the condom among low-income black women--a population group that has traditionally lacked power in the sexual decision-making process. Attitudinal changes occurred once black women received education about their high risk of contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). (Although African-Americans comprise only 12% of the US population, they account for 29% of total AIDS cases and 53% of cases of AIDS in women.) Less acceptance of the female condom is anticipated among Hispanic women due to its conspicuousness and fears of accusations of infidelity from their husbands. Teenagers and college students--another sector lacking sexual negotiation skills and comfort in touching their own bodies--will be targeted for future focus group discussions.