Breakage and slippage of condoms among users in north Gondar Province, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of condom breakage and slippage among male condom users and to analyse some factors affecting condom breakage. DESIGN: Prospective study undertaken from March to June 1996. SETTING: Gondar, Teda and Aykel health centres in north Gondar province. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seventy literate male condom users who volunteered to participate in the study were enrolled, but data were collected and analysed for 143 persons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Condom breakage was measured as the number of condom broken while opening the package, putting on, during intercourse or withdrawal; and condom slippage was measured as the number of condoms slipped off the penis during intercourse or withdrawal. RESULTS: Of 143 participants, 26.6% broke condoms. Total condom breakage rate was 4.6% and slippage rate was 0.1%; half of the condom breakage occurred at the tip. Condom breakage was more observed in less educated (p < 0.05). Breakage rate and experience of condom use were negatively correlated (r = -0.214, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: User's knowledge and experience reduce the breakage of condom.