Background: About 2.5 million Indian are estimated to be HIV positive apart from the other STIs and around 1/4th
of the births are unwanted. Condom has become a popular method being promoted for meeting these challenges. The
objectives of the study were to understand the awareness and practices regarding correct and consistent use of
condoms among sexually active males in India.
Methods: Three randomly selected primary health centers in southern India. All male members reported to be using
condoms by the PHCs, were visited at their homes. A pre-tested check list (Yes/No) type questionnaire was used to
collect the data. Commonly available guide line regarding correct and consistent were used as the baseline
knowledge. Responses thus received were evaluated and graded using five point scales. Income, education and years
of use wise differentials were also analyzed.
Results: Out of 7326 eligible couples 7.2% were reported to be using condoms. Response rate was 88 percent. 27
(12%), 82 (36%), 89 (39%), 18 (8%) and 11 (5%), were having poor, fair, good, very good and excellent level of
awareness respectively and fewer were putting their knowledge into practice. Respondent having schooling for more
than ten years or per capita income of more than Rupee 1000 or using condoms since more than five years were
having better level of awareness as well as practices.
Conclusions: Awareness and practices regarding correct and consistent condom use lags substantially behind the
desired levels.