Characteristics of condom use and associated problems: experience in Bangladesh
Ahmed, G.; Liner, E.C.; Williamson, N.E.; Schellstede, W.P.
Contraception 42(5): 523-533
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 2272182 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(90)90080-fDocument Number: 373213
This study examined patterns of condom use reported in the 1983 Bangladesh Condom User Survey, stemming from a gap between high condom distribution figures and low use reported in the Contraceptive Prevalence Surveys of 1979 and 1981. In order to study populations with high enough prevalence to analyze, only certain young, urban and semi- urban, high and middle-income groups in Dhaka and surrounds were sampled. In these subjects, condoms were the most prevalent method in urban, and pills the most common method in semi-rural couples, who used condoms 4th after tubectomy and the safe period. 20% of urban, and 30% of semi-rural couples purchased their condoms, even though free supplies were available. Reasons cited were to save time, convenience, and embarrassment over accepting free condoms. 56-60% stated that they used condoms at every coitus; 14-20% said most of the time. 66-71% of urban and 22-49% of semi-rural people reported switching methods, mainly because of side effects and complications or fear of side effects. Breakage was reported by 43% of men and 30% of women, or a mean of 3-5 breaks in a 2-3 year period. Over 10% of urban women reported allergic reactions. Implications of these findings for program managers included: charge a nominal fee for condoms in many locations; teach people that condoms have no side effects; educate new users on how to avoid breakage; possible problems with shelf-life.