ACCEPTABILITY OF THE FEMALE CONDOM AMONG WOMEN AT RISK FOR HIV-INFECTION

Few HIV/AIDS educational programs have been tailored specifically for women, and most have promoted methods requiring the full participation and cooperation of male partners. This study introduced drug-involved women to the female condom-a female-controlled method of protection f rom HN and other sexually transmitted diseases. The primary aim was to assess the acceptability of this new device among high-risk women in St. Louis, San Antonio, and Rio de Janeiro. All respondents participat ed in a female condom education program, were asked to try the condom, and to report their experiences at two points of contact. Outcome dat a indicated that a sizable proportion of the women followed up used th e female condom during vaginal sex on one or more occasions In additio n, many women also preferred the female condom to the male condom in t erms of overall satisfaction, suggesting that there is a viable role f or this device in the HIV prevention field.