Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

The female condom is a relatively new product that is intended to serve the dual role of protecting against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Recent research has found moderate to high levels of initial trial and acceptance of the female condom among women. However, information is lacking about its continued use, particularly among women at high risk of HIV and other STIs. The female condom was registered in Brazil in January 1997 and since then has been available commercially through DKT, a social marketing organization. In addition to socially marketed female condoms, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has also given female condoms to public health clinics and community organizations to distribute free as part of activities targeted to vulnerable groups of women. This brief summarizes the findings from a study that examined the role of the female condom as a method of protection against HIV/STIs among female sex workers in Campinas, Brazil, who received increased access to the product and information about it through an educational and social marketing intervention.

DOI

10.31899/hiv2001.1000

Language

English

Project

Horizons Program

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