engleski

The female condom in Croatia: still an unknown and unavailable tool for STI/HIV prevention

Sexually active woman are at considerable risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV infection. During the last decade, the female condom emerged as a new barrier method for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and STI. In Croatia it is not yet available. The aims of our study were: to evaluate the existing knowledge of the female condom ; to gather information about the interest and willingness to use it. The study was carried out in the region of Rijeka, Croatia, and included male and female participants from the general population. The questionnaire used in the study was divided in two sections. The first part included general demographic data, items regarding male condom use and knowledge about the female condom. The second part of the questionnaire was compiled after each participant had been informed about the appearance, use and effectiveness of the female condom. The participants reported their impressions and attitudes toward the female condom, as well as reasons underlying the willingness or unwillingness to use it. The results of our study show that the large majority of our study participants had absolutely no knowledge of the female condom existence. Comparable with international studies, there is a substantial interest for this new prevention tool, especially among women. The most frequently reported reasons for the antagonism to the female condom include concerns about complicated insertion and discomfort during the sexual intercourse. In general, results of our study suggest that additional efforts should be made to encourage consistent use of barrier methods for the prevention of STI. The female condom, as the only female-controlled tool for prevention of STI, should be made an available option.

Female Condom; Sexually Transmitted Infections; HIV

nije evidentirano