Initial reactions to the Woman's Condom by potential user groups in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Background The Woman's Condom, a secondgeneration female condom, is currently being manufactured in China by the Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus Company. The manufacturer plans to launch the product in China. Methods A survey and focus group discussions were conducted with 73 women and 57 men from nine potential user groups in the Shanghai area to explore, on the basis of visual inspection of the Woman's Condom and product information, their perceptions and attitudes toward the Woman's Condom and lubricant. The potential user groups were male and female university students, male and female collegeeducated young people, married women and men, migrant women and men, and women working in the entertainment industry. Results Female condoms were a new concept for almost all study participants. Women (49%) and men (51%) reported that the Woman's Condom would make "some" or a "great" difference in their lives. Participants reported interest in using the Woman's Condom for sexually transmitted infection (STI) (50%) or dual protection (43%) rather than for pregnancy prevention alone (33%). Findings highlighted comfort, partner approval and lubricant as possible concerns. Conclusions Product introduction activities should be oriented toward the most likely early adopter groups (i.e. university students, collegeeducated young people, migrant women and women working in the entertainment industry). Lack of interest in using the new device by married women/men and migrant men may indicate that they do not perceive a need for a dual protection product since they are already using a contraceptive method and/or do not perceive themselves at risk of STIs.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviors associated with female condoms in developing countries: a scoping review

“…Cost was a frequently cited acceptability barrier. Although both clients and providers often indicated that the FC should be freely available, 83 – 86 most conceded that they would be willing to pay a highly subsidized price, 67 , 87 – 90 usually equal to that of MCs. 66 , 91 , 92 FSWs in Malawi noted that free FCs were only available in hospitals.…”

“…Men in several countries in Africa, Asia, and South America welcomed the device. 45 , 59 , 87 , 102 , 115 , 129 For example, over 80% of men participating in an acceptability trial in India reported willingness to buy both the FC2 and Reddy FC in the future. 45 Men frequently perceived superior effectiveness of the FC over the MC for HIV/STIs/pregnancy prevention and valued its dual protective properties.…”

“… 48 , 89 , 131 Men in Nigeria and Uganda liked the potential to insert before sex, and not having to remove the FC immediately after sex. 48 , 89 Men in Brazil, South Africa, and China recognized the advantages of a female-initiated method, 59 , 87 , 102 , 115 namely because it reduced male responsibility and increased female sexual agency: “Women can decide independently whether they would choose contraception or not. This is its greatest strength” (College educated young man, Shanghai).…”

Short-term acceptability of the Woman’s Condom and influencing factors among internal migrants in China

“…Recent researches have shown that the female condom with trusted efficacy could increase the uptake of condom use, reduce stress caused by unintended pregnancy or STIs, and increase sexual pleasure and health benefits [11, 12]. Although female condoms have been marketed internationally since the mid-1990s, they remain relatively unpopular in China, for example, most migrants have never seen a female condom [13]. Also, limited geographical coverage, poor availability, high cost, and unattractive appearance have had a large impact on the introduction activities of the female condom in China [10, 13, 14].…”

“…Although female condoms have been marketed internationally since the mid-1990s, they remain relatively unpopular in China, for example, most migrants have never seen a female condom [13]. Also, limited geographical coverage, poor availability, high cost, and unattractive appearance have had a large impact on the introduction activities of the female condom in China [10, 13, 14]. More in-depth research is necessary on demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors, which will help to promote the use of the female condom in China and to introduce a new-generation female condom [13].…”