Evidence for behavioural interventions addressing condom use fit and feel issues to improve condom use: a systematic review

Abstract

Continuing high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in many countries highlight the need to identify effective behavioural interventions. Consistent and correct use of male condoms is a key strategy for the prevention of STIs. However, some men report problems with condom fit (e.g. the size and shape of the condom) and feel (e.g. tightness, irritation, sensitivity), which inhibits their use. We conducted a systematic review to identify existing interventions addressing condom use fit and feel problems. We searched electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and searched reference lists of retrieved studies. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. These were generally small-scale pilot studies evaluating behavioural interventions to promote safer sex with men aged under 30 years, addressing, among other things, barriers to condom use relating to fit and feel. There were significant increases in the reported use of condoms, including condom use with no errors and problems. Improvements in some condom use mediators were reported, such as condom use self-efficacy, knowledge, intentions and condom use experience. There were mixed findings in terms of the ability of interventions to reduce STI acquisition. Behavioural interventions addressing condom fit and feel are promising in terms of effectiveness but require further evaluation.

A non-latex condom has no influence on male physiological sexual arousal

“…These values could be due to the psychological attribution of condom use rather than the barriers to condom use. This is expected, as CAEP expectations are reported even among young people who have never used condoms ( Morales et al., 2019 ; Vallejo-Medina et al., 2020 ), and have decreased after implementing health promotion programs ( Anstee et al., 2019 ). Indeed, CAEP could be related to a negative attitude toward condom use with respect to pleasure ( Plaza-Vidal et al., 2020 ).…”

Reducing New Chlamydia Infection Among Young Men by Promoting Correct and Consistent Condom Use: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Many interventions to date have failed to consider the promotion of pleasurable condom use and to address issues around the fit and feel of condoms, including condom size, texture, and thickness. One review found only 5 studies (out of the 123 condom promotion studies identified) focused on improving fit and feel [ 14 ], despite its positive association with use [ 15 ].…”

Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood‐borne viruses: Thematic analyses for intervention optimization

“…In recent years, there have been attempts to use health psychology in the design of sexual health interventions. These have included behavioural interventions to improve condom use (Anstee et al, 2019 ; Stone et al, 2018 ); to enhance chlamydia testing (McDonagh et al, 2018 , 2020 ); to promote HIV medication adherence (Spaan et al, 2020 ); to promote HIV testing (Flowers et al, 2019 ). There has been relatively less research on enhancing sexual health services.…”