Apart from sexual abstinence and monogamous relationships between uninfected partners, the use of
condoms is currently the only effective means available for preventing sexual transmission of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Worldwide data on people's knowledge about condoms and their
use have not previously been studied in the context of prevention of HIV transmission. This paper presents
survey data taken among women of reproductive age in the developing countries. The results show a wide
range in the women's knowledge of condoms, which was poorest in sub-Saharan African countries,
including those that are considered to have high HIV seroprevalence. Use of condoms was lowest in
sub-Saharan Africa and very low in some other countries with a high prevalence of HIV.