Condom use errors and problems: a study of high-risk young Black men residing in three Southern US cities

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to assess self-reported frequencies of selected condom use errors and problems, using a retrospective recall period of 2 months, among young Black men attending sexually transmitted infection clinics. A secondary objective was to determine whether more errors/problems occurred among men reporting sex with multiple partners compared with those reporting one sexual partner. Data were collected in clinics treating patients with sexually transmitted infections in three Southern US cities. Men, 15–23 years of age who identified as Black/African American and reported recent (past 2 months) condom use were eligible (N = 475). Condom use errors and problems were common, with some of the most critical errors occurring for greater than one of every five young Black men, such as late application, early removal, slipping off during sex, and re-using condoms. For 8 (33.3%) of the 24 errors/problems assessed, young Black men reporting more than one sexual partner in the previous 2 months experienced more errors and problems than men reporting only one partner. The disease protective value of condoms may be sub-optimal in this population. A need exists to improve the quality of condom use among young Black men at risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition or transmission. Intensified clinic-based intervention that helps young Black men improve the quality of their condom use behaviours is warranted.

Keywords

Sexually transmitted infection prevention condoms young men sexually transmitted diseases sexual behavior

Introduction

In the United States, young Black men (YBM) continue to be disproportionately likely to become infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).^1–5 The problem is most pronounced in the Southern US.^6,7 In parallel fashion, the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US disproportionately affects YBM.⁸

Condom use remains a primary public health strategy to prevent HIV and other STIs in YBM.^9–11 However, evidence strongly suggests that condoms are only efficacious when they are also used correctly.¹² Despite the urgency to prevent infections with HIV and other STIs among YBM, most research on male condom use errors and problems has neglected this population. Condom use errors are mistakes made by the users that can lead to compromised protective values. Condom use problems are the result of errors (e.g. slippage, breakage) or simply issues arising from use (e.g. condom-associated erection loss). Of more than 30 studies reviewed that reported original data on condom use errors and problems, only one included predominately young Black/African Americans¹³ and none specifically focused on YBM. Moreover, most studies of condom use errors/problems have excluded those 15 to 17 years of age, thereby neglecting a substantial portion of a high-risk population. Further, past evidence suggests that having multiple sex partners may be associated with having more errors/problems,^13–15 yet this association has never been investigated with YBM.

To the best of our knowledge, published studies have not comprehensively described the condom use errors and problems experienced by YBM. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to describe self-reported frequencies of selected condom use errors and problems among YBM, using a retrospective recall period of 2 months. A 2-month recall period was selected because it is short enough to promote accurate recall yet long enough to allow young men to accumulate several events of condom use. A secondary objective was to determine whether there was any difference in reported condom use errors/problems among those who reported sex with multiple partners compared with those who reported sex with one partner.

Methods

Study sample

A convenience sample of YBM was recruited for participation from a larger NIH-funded randomised controlled trial of a safer sex intervention programme designed for this population. Only the baseline data from that trial were used for the current study, making it cross-sectional. Recruitment occurred in clinics that diagnose and treat STIs. Inclusion criteria were self-identification as Black/African American; (2) aged 15 to 23 years; (3) engaged in penile-vaginal sex at least once in the past 2 months; and (4) not knowingly HIV positive. Recruitment occurred from approximately 2010 through 2012, in a primary site (New Orleans, LA) and two secondary sites (Baton Rouge, LA and Charlotte, NC). The overall study participation rate was 60.4% (N = 702). For this secondary analysis, only YBM who reported recent (past 2 months) condom use were eligible (N = 475).

Study procedures

After providing assent, research assistants asked young men less than 18 years of age for their permission to contact one parent or guardian to obtain consent for study participation. Young men aged at least 18 years provided written informed consent. After enrollment, an audio-computer-assisted self-interview (A-CASI) survey was administered. YBM were instructed on the use of a laptop computer to complete the A-CASI, lasting approximately 30 minutes. The A-CASI was completed in a private area with a research assistant being available to clarify wording if needed. Young men were provided with a $50 gift card as compensation for the time they spent completing the assessment procedures. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review boards at all participating sites.

Measures

An expanded version of the Condom Use Errors/Problems Survey was employed.¹⁶ This 24-item index is the most comprehensive assessment instrument available for this purpose. Items were prefaced with the stem, “In the past two months …” and sequentially posed brief questions asking whether events such as breakage, slippage, etc. had occurred. Response options were simply “No” versus “Yes” and “refuse to answer.” A single item asked YBM, “In the past two months, have you been: (1) having sex with only one person or (2) having sex with more than one person.”

Data analysis

Frequency distributions were used to describe the errors/problems experienced by YBM. Those reporting sex with only one partner in the past 2 months were compared to those reporting sex with two or more partners in the past 2 months, through contingency table analyses. Linear regression was used to conduct a controlled test on the effect of having multiple partners on a summative score of errors and problems. Two control variables were selected for this analysis: frequency of condom use in the past 2 months and whether YBM reported sex with a male partner in the past 2 months. The outcome variable in this model was a summative score of the assessed condom use errors and problems. Significance was defined by an alpha of .05. All analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 20.0.

Results

Characteristics of the sample

The mean age of the sample was 19.7 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.9 years). About one-half (51.1%) reported attending school. Most (65.8%) had graduated from high school. The vast majority (94.4%) received public assistance of some kind. An income of less than $500 per month was reported by 50.8% of the sample. The mean frequency of penile-vaginal sex in the past 2 months was 11.7 times (SD = 18.3). The mean frequency of condom use reported by YBM was 13.50 times in the past 2 months (SD = 26.50; range = 0–196). Although all 475 YBM reported having sex with women, 10.2% also reported having sex with men. All 475 YBM self-reported having been diagnosed (by a clinician) with an STI in the past, with 83.5% reporting being diagnosed with Chlamydia, 14.8% reporting a diagnosis of gonorrhoea, and 1.7% reporting a herpes diagnosis. Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing of young men upon study enrollment found that 18.2% of participants tested positive for Chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea.

Descriptive findings

A summative score of the errors and problems was produced, yielding a mean of 4.77 errors/problems, with a standard deviation of 2.85. Table 1 displays the frequency of errors/problems experienced by the 475 YBM who had used a condom in the past 2 months. Condom errors/problems were common throughout the condom use process, ranging from 2% (let condom contact sharp object) to 79% (not checking condom for visible damage). Overall, 24.0% of the young men reported the occurrence of every error/problem at least once in the recall period and 98.9% of the sample reported at least one error/problem. The most common errors/problems occurring prior to sex were not discussing condom use before sex (31%), not checking condom for visible damage (79%), knowingly using a damaged condom (ripped or torn) (42%), and knowingly using an expired condom (37%). During condom application, common errors/problems included: not holding the tip of the condom while unrolling it (59%) and putting the condom on the wrong side up and then flipping it over and using it (29.5%). Condom errors/problems during sex were reported by 20–25% of the sample; for example, putting condom on after sex had started (24%), taking condom off before sex had ended (21%), losing erection after sex began (21%), and having problems with fit and feel (23%). Nine percent reported condom breakage during sex. Condom slippage during sex was reported by 20% and condom slippage during withdrawal was reported by 12%. Thirteen percent reported that the condom contents leaked onto their partner.

Table 1.

Frequency of condom use errors/problems stratified by partner-application among young Black men.

Error or problem	% Overall	% w/1P	% w/1 + P	p
Didn't discuss condom use before sex	31.2% (452)	28.5%	29.9%	.79
Knowingly used expired condom	37.1% (445)	37.2	35.0	.66
Didn't check condom for visible damage	78.8% (419)	75.6	80.9	.21
Knowingly used damaged condom: ripped or torn	42.4% (460)	45.8	36.6	.06
Let condom contact sharp jewelry, fingernails, teeth	2.2% (413)	1.2	2.1	.52
Put condom without full erection	14.4% (416)	12.9	17.3	.25
Condom wrong side up & flipped over	29.5% (447)	24.0	36.0	.01
Didn't unroll condom all the way to penis base	18.1% (437)	13.8	21.6	.047
Unrolled condom before putting it on	16.9% (419)	16.1	18.2	.59
Didn't hold tip while unrolling condom	59.3% (442)	58.0	62.3	.39
Used condom without lubrication	45.1% (457)	43.1	46.8	.46
Wanted lubrication, didn't have any	14.6% (419)	13.2	16.8	.34
Used oil based lubrication	21.4% (435)	16.5	24.8	.047
Lost erection while putting condom on	14.0% (422)	10.9	13.6	.44
Lost erection after sex began	21.0% (428)	12.9	29.6	.0001
Put condom on after sex started	24.1% (431)	16.9	31.7	.001
Took condom off before sex ended	21.3% (436)	18.9	25.4	.13
Reused condom during same sex encounter	19.7% (441)	12.2	28.7	.0001
Reused condom at later time	2.9% (414)	2.4	3.0	.69
Condom broke during sex	9.0% (413)	7.6	10.3	.37
Condom slipped off during sex	19.8% (439)	14.9	25.0	.014
Condom slipped off during withdrawal	11.5% (427)	10.9	11.8	.77
Condom contents leaked onto partner	12.6% (422)	11.0	13.0	.55
Had problems with condom, needed another one	15.3% (426)	9.1	18.4	.01
Problem with fit or feel	23.0% (422)	21.4	25.4	.37

Comparative findings

There were eight significant differences between men reporting more than one sexual partners (1 + P) over the past 2 months and those reporting one partner (1P). In every case, 1 + P men reported more errors/problems than IP men. During condom application, 1 + P men were more likely to put the condom on wrong side up and flip it over (36% vs. 24%), to not unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis (22% vs. 14%), and to use oil-based lubrication (25% vs. 17%). During sex, 1 + P men were more likely than 1P participants to put the condom on after the sex had started (32% vs. 17%), to lose their erection after sex had begun (30% vs. 13%), to reuse a condom during the same sexual encounter (29% vs. 12%), to report the condom slipped off during sex (25% vs. 15%), and to report that had a problem with the condom and thus needed another one (18.4% vs. 9.1%).

Of note, the summative score of errors/problems was not significantly correlated with age (p = .22); this model did not include age as a covariate. Findings from the linear regression model support the independent effect of having multiple partners on an increased risk of experiencing condom use errors and problems. The Beta value for the multiple partner measure was .18 (p < .0001). The association between frequency of condom use and the summative score of errors/problems yielded a non-significant Beta of .01 (p = .79). Additionally, the effect of also having male sex partners was non-significant (Beta = .07, p = .13).

Discussion

In this study, data were obtained on condom use errors and problems over the past 2 months among 475 YBM reporting recent condom use. Participants were recruited from clinics that diagnose and treat STIs in three US cities. Condom use errors and problems were common, and occurred across all phases of the condom use process e.g. during application, during sex, and after withdrawal. Comparisons between YBM reporting more than one sexual partner over the past 2 months and those reporting only one partner indicated that, in the case of every significant group difference, men who reported more than one partner in the previous 2 months experienced more errors and problems than men who reported only one partner.

In a prior study of more than 900 clinic-attendees in three US cities, five condom use errors were identified as negating the protective value of condom use in terms of STI prevention: delayed application, early removal, condom breakage, condom slippage during sex, and during withdrawal.¹² These errors and problems were reported by between 10% and 25% of the current sample, indicating these YBM participants are at significant risk for STI acquisition and transmission, despite the fact that they are using condoms. Also alarming were the rates of using a condom that men knew to be expired or damaged, reported by approximately 40% of the current sample. Participants also reported reusing condoms, within the same and new sexual encounters. Given that almost all participants reported receiving some form of public assistance, and almost one-half reported an income of less than $500 per month, access to new condoms may have been limited.

Comparisons between men reporting multiple sex partners over the past 2 months and men reporting one partner suggested that men with multiple partners were at particular risk for condom use errors and problems. This finding is supported in other literature. Among a sample of people attending STI clinics, men of diverse ethnicities having sex with women were more likely to report recent errors with condom use if they had multiple sexual partners.¹⁵ Reporting multiple partners over a 3-month recall period was associated with increased condom breakage and slippage among a predominantly White, college sample.¹⁷ Several explanations for this finding are plausible, including unmeasured confounding factors such as whether YBM with multiple partners during the 2-month recall period may be less concerned about correct condom use than their single-partnered counterparts. It is also possible that those with multiple partners may have been more likely to fully disclose their condom use errors/problems. Also possible is the idea that YBM with only one sex partner may be more conscientious about correct use given a presumed level of commitment to protecting that partner from infection or unintended pregnancy.

Though it is not known if participants in the current sample engaged in concurrent or consecutive sexual relationships, research indicates that the risk of STI infection for the individual is no different.¹⁷ YBM are rewarded socially for having many sexual partners, and also have more opportunities for sexual partnerships because of the disproportionate number of men to women young adults¹⁸ resulting from high rates of incarceration and violent death among YBM in the US. As such, encouraging men to reduce their number of sexual partners to reduce their condom use errors and problems, and subsequent sexual health risks, may not be an effective strategy. Instead, men having sex with multiple partners (concurrently or consecutively) should be targeted for education regarding correct condom use and provide access to a range of condoms at low or no cost.

The geographic diversity of the sample is limited to patients attending clinics in three US cities; thus, generalisability of the findings to other populations of YBM is constrained. Also, study findings are limited by the validity of participants' self-reports of condom use errors/problems; however, problems associated with recall are minimised by the use of a short recall period. Also noteworthy is the point that analyses were not event-specific, meaning that the observed errors and problems cannot be designated to linked events of condom use.

Despite the above limitations, these findings extend the literature on condom use errors and problems by focusing on a neglected but high-risk group of men. The observed frequency of occurrences for condom use errors and problems is valuable to informing the design of clinic-based counselling efforts and in the design of community-based intervention programmes that promote safer sex among YBM. A related implication includes the point that condom use breakage and slippage are related to user errors^19–24 and, thus, are amenable to change with behavioural and educational interventions. Men who experience erection difficulties or who perceive condoms to reduce sensation may be less motivated to apply a condom prior to the start of sex and to use it until sex is over.²⁵ Men should be encouraged to experiment with condoms to find one that is best suited to them. In under-resourced areas it is critical that public health agencies, clinics that test for and treat STIs, and education settings make very accessible a range of condoms for men who may not otherwise have access to these. In particular, free public clinics are ideally positioned to provide condom use education and condoms to attendees and are obligated to do so given the high rates of risk behaviours among attendees.

Footnotes

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to the first author, R01MH083621.

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