Objectives: We evaluated whether offering a choice of barrier methods can increase overall barrier method use without decreasing condom use in women using oral contraceptives (OCs) for contraception.
Study design: We randomized 167 OC users at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) into two groups, one receiving male latex condoms only (Condom group), the other receiving both male latex condoms and nonoxynol-9 film (Choice group). All participants received similar hierarchical STD protection counseling. We assessed method use with daily diaries.
Results: The Choice group protected a significantly higher percentage of their coital acts with a barrier method (month 1 to 2: 29% vs. 22%; month 3 to 4: 33% vs. 21%; and month 5 to 6: 35% vs. 19%; adjusted P = 0.012). Condom use in the Choice group was higher as well (adjusted P = 0.036). When we used a transitional multilogistic regression approach to account for differential loss to follow-up in the two groups, results were similar.
Conclusions: Offering a choice of barrier methods increased overall barrier method use without decreasing condom use.
PIP: When used correctly and consistently, male latex condom use is the most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among sexually active individuals. Findings are reported from a study conducted to determine whether offering a choice of barrier contraceptive methods can increase overall barrier method use without decreasing condom use in women using oral contraceptives (OCs) for contraception. 167 OC users at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were randomized into 2 groups, one receiving only male latex condoms and the other receiving both male latex condoms and nonoxynol-9 film. Participants were at least 18 years old and attended a publicly-funded family planning clinic in Texas. They all received similar hierarchical STD protection counseling and method use was assessed on a daily basis through diaries. The group provided both condoms and the film protected a significantly higher proportion of their coital acts with a barrier method. Condom use in the choice group was also higher. Therefore offering a choice of barrier methods increased overall barrier method use without decreasing condom use.