The Experts below are selected from a list of 9720 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Kyung-hee Choi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the efficacy of Female Condom skills training in hiv risk reduction among women a randomized controlled trial
American Journal of Public Health, 2008Co-Authors: Kyung-hee Choi, Colleen C Hoff, Steven E Gregorich, Olga Grinstead, Cynthia A Gomez, Wendy HusseyAbstract:Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of skills training designed to increase Female Condom use among women. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 409 women, recruited from family planning clinics in northern California, who were randomly assigned to the experimental 4-session Female Condom skills training intervention or the comparison 4-session women's general health promotion intervention. Participants received Condom use instructions at baseline and male and Female Condoms during the study. They completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Results. At 3 and 6 months, women in the experimental group were more likely than those in the comparison group to have used the Female Condom at least once in the prior 3 months. The increase in the percentage of sexual acts protected by Female Condoms from baseline to the 6-month follow-up was greater for the experimental group. The percentage of sexual acts during which any Condom was employed was higher in the experimental group at 6 months. There were no group differences in male Condom use. Conclusions. Outcomes suggest that skills training can increase Female Condom use and protected sexual acts without reducing male Condom use among women.
-
A validation and reduced form of the Female Condom Attitudes Scale.
Aids Education and Prevention, 2002Co-Authors: Torsten B. Neilands, Kyung-hee ChoiAbstract:Abstract The Female Condom Attitudes Scale is an instrument comprising five correlated factors derived from 15 Likert-scale survey items that measure women's attitudes toward the Female Condom. This scale originated from the 30-item scale of Choi, Gregorich, Anderson, Grinstead, and Gomez (2001; manuscript under review). Exploratory factor analysis of this scale extracted eight correlated factors. Reliability coefficients and confirmatory factor analyses refined the instrument by reducing the number of factors to five and halving the number of items. The reduced form of the Female Condom Attitudes Scale demonstrated both construct and convergent validity by predicting self-reported Female Condom use behavior. It also correlated with self-efficacy to use male Condoms, sexual comfort, and attitudes toward the male Condom. The five factors remaining in the final survey instrument were Sexual Pleasure Enhancement, Inconvenience, Improved Prophylaxis, Sexual Pleasure Inhibition, and Insertion Reluctance. Impli...
-
A validation and reduced form of the Female Condom Attitudes Scale.
AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education, 2002Co-Authors: Torsten B. Neilands, Kyung-hee ChoiAbstract:The Female Condom Attitudes Scale is an instrument comprising five correlated factors derived from 15 Likert-scale survey items that measure women's attitudes toward the Female Condom. This scale originated from the 30-item scale of Choi, Gregorich, Anderson, Grinstead, and Gomez (2001; manuscript under review). Exploratory factor analysis of this scale extracted eight correlated factors. Reliability coefficients and confirmatory factor analyses refined the instrument by reducing the number of factors to five and halving the number of items. The reduced form of the Female Condom Attitudes Scale demonstrated both construct and convergent validity by predicting self-reported Female Condom use behavior. It also correlated with self-efficacy to use male Condoms, sexual comfort, and attitudes toward the male Condom. The five factors remaining in the final survey instrument were Sexual Pleasure Enhancement, Inconvenience, Improved Prophylaxis, Sexual Pleasure Inhibition, and Insertion Reluctance. Implications of these findings for basic and applied intervention research are discussed.
Zena Stein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
health care providers a missing link in understanding acceptability of the Female Condom
Aids Education and Prevention, 2011Co-Authors: Joanne E. Mantell, Elizabeth A. Kelvin, Susie Hoffman, Theresa M. Exner, Brooke S West, Kimberly Sue, Zena SteinAbstract:Health care providers can play a key role in influencing clients to initiate and maintain use of the Female Condom, an underused method for HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention. In 2001-2002, based on semistructured interviews with 78 health care providers from four types of settings in New York City, we found that most providers had seen the Female Condom, but they had not used it and did not propose the method to clients. They lacked details about the method-when to insert it, where it can be obtained, and its cost. Gender of provider, provider level of training, and setting appeared to influence their attitudes. Unless and until provider training on the Female Condom is greatly improved, broader acceptance of this significant public health contribution to preventing HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy will not be achieved.
-
Off-Label Use of the Female Condom for Anal Intercourse Among Men in New York City
American Journal of Public Health, 2011Co-Authors: Elizabeth A. Kelvin, Joanne E. Mantell, Norman Candelario, Susie Hoffman, Theresa M. Exner, William Stackhouse, Zena SteinAbstract:We surveyed 111 male clients of an HIV/AIDS service organization in New York City in 2008 and 2009. Seventeen percent had used the Female Condom for anal intercourse; of these, 89.3% had used the Female Condom with male partners, 21.4% with Female partners, and 10.7% with both. Users of the Female Condom for vaginal intercourse were more likely to use it for anal intercourse (odds ratio = 12.7; 95% confidence interval = 2.5, 64.9; P = .002). The safety and efficacy of the Female Condom for anal intercourse are unknown and should be evaluated.
-
the future of the Female Condom
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2004Co-Authors: Susie Hoffman, Joanne E. Mantell, Theresa M. Exner, Zena SteinAbstract:More than 10 years have elapsed since the Female Condom became widely available, and it remains the only Femaleinitiated means of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The Female Condom was developed as an alternative to the male Condom, and it was hailed as a method that would enable women to have greater control over their own protection from disease. With the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), public and private funders, and the manufacturer, more than 90 developing countries have introduced the method through public distribution, social marketing campaigns or commercial outlets. In several countries that have actively promoted its use, such as South Africa, Brazil, Ghana and Zimbabwe, steadily increasing Female Condom sales to the government suggest that effective programs can generate demand. At the same time, there have been disappointments. Uptake in the West and in some developing countries has been lower than was initially anticipated, demonstrating that successful introduction will not be as straightforward as was hoped. 1 A study by Kulczycki and colleagues published earlier this year shows that the method is not popular among some women. 2 Indeed, there are still gaps in knowledge about how acceptable the Female Condom is for long-term use and whether promoting it can help reduce STI rates. Despite both successes and disappointments, promotion of the Female Condom remains important, especially in the face of heterosexually acquired HIV infection rates that are soaring globally. It is unfortunate, therefore, that a discourse has emerged recently that marginalizes the Female Condom as a viable prevention option, out of concerns about its high cost and the need for women to obtain their partner’s cooperation in order to use it. 3 Such a conclusion is premature, as the picture is far more complex. In this viewpoint, we review what has been learned about the Female Condom over the past decade, and argue for a renewed commitment to behavioral intervention research and the implementation and evaluation of large-scale Female Condom programs.
-
Female Condom use in a gender specific family planning clinic trial
American Journal of Public Health, 2003Co-Authors: Susie Hoffman, Theresa M. Exner, Chengshiun Leu, Anke A Ehrhardt, Zena SteinAbstract:Objectives. We evaluated Female-Condom use among women participating in an HIV/STD intervention designed to reduce unprotected sex and expand prevention strategies. Methods. Women (n = 360) were recruited from a family-planning clinic and were randomized into an 8- or 4-session intervention group or a control group. We conducted follow-up interviews at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results. At 1 month, the odds ratios of first-time Female-Condom use were 9.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.01, 22.20) in the 8-session group and 4.39 (95% CI = 1.84, 10.49) in the 4-session group relative to controls. Repeated use (n = 21) was predicted by perceived ability to use, by self and partner satisfaction, by dislike of male Condoms, and by previous diaphragm use. Conclusions. Gender sensitive cognitive-behavioral interventions can influence women to try the Female Condom. To increase long-term use, interventions may need to include self-insertion practice and involvement of male partners.
-
Power and the Female Condom. The authors reply [letter]
Family Planning Perspectives, 1996Co-Authors: Erica L. Gollub, Zena Stein, Wafaa El-sadrAbstract:In response to a letter-to-the-editor critique of the authors original article the author notes that in most studies of the Female Condom the majority of women and half of their partners have liked the method. The use of the Female Condom may indeed be more difficult with causal partners and among inexperienced young people but the new method is comparable to the male Condom in effectiveness. Both men and women report increased physical sensation and women gain confidence and a sense of control using the method. There is every reason for optimism that the Female Condom will be accepted by young people and the method should be introduced in counseling sessions with adolescents.
Arnaud Fontanet - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Acceptability of the Female Condom among sex workers in Thailand. Results from a prospective study.
Sexually transmitted diseases, 2001Co-Authors: Supanee Jivasak-apimas, Chuanchom Sakondhavat, Joseph Saba, Verapol Chandeying, Orawan Kiriwat, Sungwal Rugpao, Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, Arnaud FontanetAbstract:The Female Condom may provide women with the first Female- controlled barrier method that is effective against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. This study evaluated the acceptability of the Female Condom among sex workers in Thailand. Data on use and acceptability of the Female Condom were collected using a structured questionnaire during an 8-week follow-up. Analyses included 148 women who were still in follow- up at week 8. Sex workers used on average 2.8 Female Condoms per week. The overall satisfaction rate with the Female Condom was 68% although among users 31% had difficulties in device insertion 37% had pain from the inner ring and 22% reported itching sensations. The main reason for using the Female Condom in the future was its perceived safety and the main reason for not using it would be the clients refusal. Two-thirds of the sex workers were satisfied with the Female Condom. Difficulties at insertion discomfort during use and clients attitude were potential obstacles to the use of the Female Condom in the future. (authors)
Maurizio Macaluso - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
efficacy of the Female Condom as a barrier to semen during intercourse
American Journal of Epidemiology, 2003Co-Authors: Maurizio Macaluso, Louise M Lawson, Glen Hortin, Ann Duerr, Karen R Hammond, Richard E Blackwell, Amy BloomAbstract:In 1996–1998 the authors measured prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in vaginal fluid to assess the frequency of Female Condom failure and to evaluate the association of self-reported failure with semen exposure. Women at low risk of sexually transmitted diseases (n = 210) were recruited in Birmingham Alabama. They were trained to use the Female Condom sample vaginal fluid before and after Condom use and complete forms to report problems during each use. Semen exposure was assessed by comparing pre- and postcoital PSA levels in vaginal fluid. A total of 175 women used 2232 Condoms. The rate of semen exposure ranged from 7% to 21% of Condom uses depending on the exposure criterion. Exposure was more likely (21–34%) and more intense (mean postcoital PSA 24.7 ng/ml) if participants reported a mechanical problem versus other problems or no problems (exposure rate 5–20% in both instances; mean postcoital PSA 9.6 and 7.8 ng/ml respectively). In logistic regression analyses for repeated measurements user-reported problems accounted for less than 59% of the instances of semen exposure. The Female Condom prevented semen exposure in 79–93% of Condom uses. Exposure was associated with user-reported problems but also occurred in their absence. Reported problems and semen exposure decreased with user experience. (authors)
-
Presenting the Female Condom to men: a dyadic analysis of effect of the woman's approach.
Women & health, 2002Co-Authors: Ana Penman-aguilar, Lynn Artz, Jeffrey Hall, Myra A. Crawford, Nadine Peacock, Juliana Van Olphen, Lutissa Parker, Maurizio MacalusoAbstract:Although male partner resistance to Female Condom use has been reported, little is understood about circumstances under which partners will agree to Female Condom use. This study documents the experiences of couples who have worked together to achieve Female Condom use. As part of a prospective Female Condom efficacy study, Female participants (age 18-34) received a behavioral intervention and an assortment of take-home items. Selected women and their partners were recruited for a qualitative interview focusing on their experience with the Female Condom. Interviews were transcribed, double-coded, and verified using a standard retrieval coding system. Twenty-six pairs of linked interviews were analyzed dyadically: 9 couples who used the Female Condom "consistently," 12 "experimenters," and 5 "non-users." Women who successfully promoted the Female Condom to their partners used multiple presentation strategies. Initial male partner reaction did not predict continued use beyond the first trial. In conclusion, employment of multiple strategies facilitates successful introduction of the Female Condom into a sexual partnership.
-
Predictors of difficulty inserting the Female Condom.
Contraception, 2002Co-Authors: Lynn Artz, Michael Demand, Leavonne Pulley, Samuel F. Posner, Maurizio MacalusoAbstract:This article describes the frequency of initial difficulty inserting the Female Condom and identifies predictors of insertion difficulty among women at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Female STD clinic patients (n = 1144) were taught how to insert the Female Condom by using an anatomic model, then given an opportunity for self-insertion practice. Correct placement of the Condom was verified by a nurse clinician, and the number of attempts required for correct insertion was recorded. Sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of refusing the insertion practice and of difficulty inserting the Female Condom were evaluated using logistic regression. Only 5% of study participants refused the self-insertion practice. Women who never had a Papanicolaou smear test, did not use tampons, never used an inserted method of STD prevention/birth control, and disliked the insertion features of intravaginal barrier methods were more likely to refuse the self-insertion practice. Of those who attempted self-insertion, 25% were unable to insert the Female Condom correctly on the first attempt. Women who never expressed their sexual likes and were indifferent to the positive features of intravaginal contraceptive methods were more likely to experience difficulty their first insertion attempt. Other variables associated with insertion difficulty included longer fingernails. Insertion refusal and difficulty affect use of the Female Condom for a sizable proportion of women. Women in this study who refused the self-insertion practice had greater aversion to inserting intravaginal barrier methods. Women who had initial difficulty inserting the Female Condom had a different profile from those who refused and can benefit from intensive skills training that includes supervised self-insertion practice.
-
Female Condom use among women at high risk of sexually transmitted disease
Family Planning Perspectives, 2000Co-Authors: Maurizio Macaluso, Lynn Artz, Michael Demand, Michael Fleenor, Lawrence Robey, Joseph Kelaghan, Rebecca Cabral, Edward W HookAbstract:As part of a 6-month prospective follow-up study of 1159 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic patients clients were interviewed during their initial visit exposed to a behavioral intervention promoting Condoms given a physical examination and provided with instructions on completing a sexual diary. Potential predictors of trying the Female Condom were evaluated using logistic regression and three Condom-use groups (exclusive users of Female Condoms exclusive users of male Condoms and users of both types of Condoms) were compared using multinomial regression. Among 895 women who reported having engaged in vaginal intercourse during the study period one-half had sex with only one partner while one-quarter each had two partners or three or more partners. A total of 731 women reported using the Female Condom at least once during the follow-up period--85% during the first month of follow-up. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that employed women and those with a regular sexual partner at baseline were significantly more likely to try the Female Condom. By the end of the follow-up period 8% of participants had used the Female Condom exclusively 15% had used the male Condom exclusively 73% had used both types of Condom and 3% had used no Condoms. 20% of women who tried the Female Condom used it only once and 13% used it twice while 20% used 5-9 Female Condoms and 32% used 10 or more. Consistent Condom users (N = 309) were predominantly users of both types of Condom (75%) and were less often exclusive users of the male Condom (18%) or the Female Condom (7%). According to a multivariate analysis women who used the Female Condom exclusively or who mixed Condom types were more likely to be Black were more likely to be employed and were more likely to have a regular partner than were users of the male Condom. Women at risk of STDs find the Female Condom acceptable and will try it and some use it consistently. Mixing use of Female Condoms and male Condoms may facilitate consistent Condom use. The Female Condom may improve an individuals options for risk reduction and help reduce the spread of STDs. (authors)
Stanley Luchters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
a prospective study assessing the effects of introducing the Female Condom in a sex worker population in mombasa kenya
Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2006Co-Authors: Sarah Thomsen, Wilkister Ombidi, Cathy Toroitichruto, Emelita L Wong, H O Tucker, R Homan, Nzioki Kingola, Stanley LuchtersAbstract:Objective: To assess the impact and costs of adding Female Condoms to a male Condom promotion and distribution peer education programme for sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya. Design: A 12 month, prospective study of 210 Female sex workers. Methods: We interviewed participants about their sexual behaviour every 2 months for a total of seven times and introduced Female Condoms after the third interview. We also collected cost data and calculated the cost and cost effectiveness of adding the Female Condom component to the existing programme. Results: Introduction of the Female Condom in an HIV/AIDS prevention project targeting sex workers led to small, but significant, increases in consistent Condom use with all sexual partners. However, there was a high degree of substitution of the Female Condom for male Condoms. The cost per additional consistent Condom user at a programme level is estimated to be $2160 (£1169, €1711) (95% CI: 1338 to 11 179). Conclusions: The Female Condom has some potential for reducing unprotected sex among sex workers. However, given its high cost, and the marginal improvements seen here, governments should limit promotion of the Female Condom in populations that are already successfully using the male Condom. More research is needed to identify effective methods of encouraging sex workers to practise safer sex with their boyfriends.
