A Colombian View of the Condom

Data from the Colombian National Fertility Study in 1969 of 5326 women and a 1970 survey of the commercial sector were used to analyze the knowledge use and distribution of condoms in Colombia, finding a large number who use it solely as a non-family planning prophylactic device.

Abstract

Data from the Colombian National Fertility Study in 1969 of 5326 women and a 1970 survey of the commercial sector were used to analyze the knowledge use and distribution of condoms in Colombia. 45% of the women in the urban and 26% in the rural areas knew of the condom. 4% of married women of reproductive age had ever used the condom. 70% of the males interviewed knew of the condom. In 1969 it was estimated that 1.1% of married women of reproductive age had partners currently using condoms. 34% of the men had used condoms with other women but only 16% with their wives. For the druggists and street vendors interviewed 70% and 62% respectively used the condom to prevent pregnancy. The estimated total condom sales for 1970 were 8164000. Men under 30 tend to buy condoms in drugstores and those over 30 tend to buy from street vendors. Condoms can be legally imported into Colombia but require a 60% customs duty; thus most are smuggled into the country; Vendors tend to think of the condom as an effective means of contraception but there is a large number who use it solely as a non-family planning prophylactic device; Recommendations include the provision of a steady supply of condoms to the public and an information campaign to educate the population as to the effectiveness of the condom as a family planning method.