Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust

During this three-month period, the sexual behaviour and the usage pattern of Female Condoms were studied, within the enrolled target audience. Ongoing communication and promotion campaigns were undertaken with the help of SACS and their respective NGO’s along with the placement of the product within the target group. Overall the research study has shown very encouraging response from the target audiences.

In a Nutshell

At present, the Female Condom is the only method available with women to initiate & control in some ways, allowing dual protection, i.e. protection from both unintended pregnancy and STI’s, including HIV.

The Female Condom has a high level of acceptability among both women and men. It is very appealing to women who want to protect themselves from both STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancy.

The Female Condom is the only method providing dual protection against STIs including HIV/AIDS and pregnancy over which they exercise some control. The Female Condom, therefore, contributes to women’s sense of personal control and empowerment, increases women’s knowledge about their bodies & STI’s and improves communication between men and women.

One of the essential lessons learnt was, for the success of health care interventions, it is necessary to integrate the Female Condoms into existing reproductive health programmes such as: Community based distribution of contraceptives, STI Clinic Services, Family Planning Clinic Services, HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention programmes with vulnerable populations, Adolescent and reproductive health programmes, Social Marketing etc.

Female Condom - Acceptability Research in India

Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust along with Female Condom Health Company, UK conducted this Social Acceptability Study of Female Condom use in 3 high HIV prevalent states of India -Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra among 3 sets of target groups, namely Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), Men-who-have-Sex-with-Men (MSMs) and married couples.

The study was conducted in collaboration with and support from selected NGOs, in three states. During this social acceptability study for three months, Female Condoms were issued to the sample target audience.