Experiences of Condom Fit and Feel Among African American Men Living with HIV

Abstract

It has been shown through research that condom fit and feel have impacted condom use. The purpose of this study was to explore the specific perceptions associated with condom fit and feel, and how those variables impact consistent condom use. Participants were recruited from Atlanta, Georgia in 2008 between the months of May to July. Black men living with HIV experienced problems with condom fit and feel. In the study, 41.5% (n=44) stated that condoms fit fine “always” while 21.7% (n=23) who stated they fit fine “often”, 26.7% (n=28) who stated that they fit fine “sometimes”, and over 9 percent (n=10) stated that condoms “never” fit fine. Over 50% (n=53) of all participants said they could not find appropriate sized condoms (this include participants who said “always,” “often”, or “sometimes”). Additionally, 33% (n=35) of participants reported that condoms were too long while 42.9% (n=46) of them reported that condoms were too short. Over 54.3% (n=58) and 36.2% (n=39) of participants reported condoms as (always, often or sometimes) being too tight and too loose respectively. Despite these reports, over 90% (n=96) of participants stated that condoms (always, often, or sometimes) fit fine. Social desirability could have influenced the results of this study because it was a self report questionnaire. A convenience sampling method was used, which will limit the generalizability of this study. Black men living with HIV in metropolitan Atlanta may respond differently than the general population.