Condom use by Norplant users at risk for sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

Background: Norplant is highly effective for long-term pregnancy prevention. Norplant users might not use condoms, and they may acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases as a consequence.

Goal of this study: The goal of this study was to assess condom use among Norplant users at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

Study design: Telephone interviews were conducted with 177 sexually active Norplant users to measure risk for sexually transmitted disease and condom use.

Results: According to the measures used in this study, 42% of the study subjects were at risk for sexually transmitted disease and 38% of those at highest risk did not use condoms.

Conclusions: Intervention to protect Norplant users from sexually transmitted disease is indicated.

PIP: During June-August, 1992, researchers attempted to telephone 257 women who had received Norplant from a family planning clinic at a municipal hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Clinic staff had informed all of the women before Norplant insertion that Norplant would not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and that they should use condoms during risky sex behavior. The survey yielded 177 eligible women (mean, 23 years old) for a study to determine condom use among Norplant users at risk for STDs. Most women (about 58%) were considered to be at low risk for STDs. 34 women were considered to be at high risk for STDs. Condom use increased with risk (any condom use: 30% for low risk women, 54% for moderate risk, and 62% for high risk women; p = .004). Most women (58%) did not use condoms, while just 26% used condoms consistently. 13 (38%) of the high risk women did not use condoms. 19 (46%) of the 41 women at moderate risk did not use condoms. 27% of all 177 women were at some risk of STDs and did not use always condoms. Among high risk and moderate risk women, 35% and 37% used condoms consistently. These results identified a need for an intervention to protect Norplant acceptors from STDs.