Used condoms in 30 female brothels in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the period from August to October were examined for breakage.
Data were also collected by interviewing prostitutes who accounted for 65 percent of the total prostitutes providing condoms. The prostitutes had a mean age of Sixty-one percent had no formal education. The median duration of prostitution was 13 months. The average number of clients per day in the past 24 hours and in the past 3 months was 4. All refused to practice oral or anal sex during the past 24 hours.
Of 5, condoms, were used two at a time and 15 were used three at a time. The breakage rate per act of intercourse was 5. The breakage per total condoms examined was 5. Breakage relating to manufacturing defect, i. The probability of breakage when using two condoms at the same time was 3. Most of the breakage occurred at the distal part of the condom. There was no difference between the breakage rates of condoms provided by the brothels and those brought by the client; nor was there any difference between manufacturing defect or use.
The breakage rate per client as estimated by prostitutes in the past 24 hours corroborated with that assessed by examination. Proper and consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse greatly minimizes the risk of HIV transmission between sex partners. Condoms do, however, occasionally rupture during use. The authors examined used condoms for breakage in thirty female brothels in Chiang Mai, Thailand, over the period August-October , to assess the true level of breakage among users in such a context.
The women were of mean age They reported having an average 4. All refused to practice oral or anal sex during the preceding 24 hours. Of condoms, were used two at a time and fifteen were used three at a time. Examination found a 5. Most breakage occurred in the distal region of the condom. The breakage rate per client as estimated by prostitutes during the preceding 24 hours corroborated with that assessed by examination. Breakage related to manufacturing defect and use was 0.
