The effects of condom choice on self-reported condom use among men in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND:Male condoms are readily available and affordable in many settings, but risky sexual acts still go unprotected. STUDY DESIGN:This unblinded randomized trial, conducted in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, was designed to assess the impact of providing a choice of condoms on self-reported use and uptake over 6 months. RESULTS:We enrolled 1,274 men. The mean subject-specific proportion of protected acts with all partners increased from baseline to 6 months by 0.07 in the control group compared to 0.03 in the choice group (p=.025). The observed results were largely consistent across all three countries. In the choice group, men clearly preferred one condom type over the others, and this preference was consistent across all three countries. CONCLUSIONS:Providing one type of male condom in public sector programs appears justified. Programs should not focus on the number of brands available, but should encourage effective promotion and consistent and correct use of available brands.