Promoting Female Condom Use Among Female University Students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Results of a Randomized Behavioral Trial

Posted by Share-Net NL on September 8, 2015 at 8:43 am



This study compared the efficacy of two approaches for promoting the use of female condoms. Female students at a South African university were randomized to either a single group session featuring information on female condoms (control, n = 149), or a two-session enhanced intervention (EI, n = 147) that included information on female condoms, rehearsal of their use, and skill-building on partner negotiation. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 2.5 and 5 months after completion of the intervention. At both follow-up periods, participants in both groups reported significant reductions relative to baseline in instances of vaginal intercourse without condoms (either male or female). In the control group, the number of female condoms used increased 135.6 times between baseline and the 2.5-month follow-up; and 58 times at the 5-month follow-up. In the EI group, use of female condoms increased 16.8 times at 2.5 months and 12.7 times at 5 months. The authors concluded that both interventions led to significant reductions in unprotected sex and significant increases in the use of female condoms during sexual encounters at five months post-intervention. They recommended a brief one-session intervention on using female condoms, delivered over a 60–90 minute period, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Author: Mantell, JE
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