Where is the condom? Contraceptive practice in a rural district of South Africa.

Interviews were conducted with 848 African women aged 15-49 years in a rural area of South Africa to determine the extent to which condoms are used, reasons for contraceptive method choice and unmet contraceptive need. Injectable contraceptives were being used by 22.1% of respondents, who considered them to be convenient, safe, effective, and/or a method that could be used secretly. The decision to use this method was often made on the recommendation of a health worker. Eleven women said they were using the male condom, seven of whom were using it because it provides protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Many (70.3%) women were not using any form of contraception. Counselling about contraceptive options should take into account the need for dual protection, and strategies for increasing condom use should be promoted.