Incorrect use of condoms has been a serious public health problem
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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An international team of researchers concluded that misuse of condoms is extremely common in all regions of the world and is a serious public health problem.
The Condom Use Research Team (CURT) of the Kinsey Institute at the University of Indiana has brought together more than 20 scientists from different countries. For more than 10 years, they have conducted numerous studies on this topic and published them in a special issue of the journal Sexual Health.
According to the findings of the scientists, many people use condoms incorrectly, for example, put them on the wrong side or not throughout the sexual contact. And this is typical for residents of both developing and economically developed countries.
According to members of the CURT, training the population to use condoms correctly will play a critical role in preventing the spread of HIV infection and reducing the frequency of unplanned pregnancies.
"While we want to think that the AIDS epidemic is on the decline, it does not." In the US, the situation is deteriorating, we continue to expect a decision to stop the epidemic from doctors, but this is a wrong approach. "We know how to prevent ... A lot of infectious diseases. The prevention of the disease is a modern solution for the AIDS epidemic, and we must take it seriously, "said CROT member Richard Srosby, professor of the University of Kentucky, editor in chief of the Sexual Health special issue.
"Condoms are the same vaccine that we were waiting for," he added.
According to researchers, to increase the role of protection in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, it is possible through public education, information campaign on the Internet and counseling people in hospitals. For the success of these efforts, it is necessary to overcome the discomfort and embarrassment that many people have when talking about sex-related topics, scientists believe.
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