A meta-analysis of condom effectiveness in reducing sexually transmitted HIV

Susan C. Weller

Social Science & Medicine, 1993, vol. 36, issue 12, 1635-1644

Abstract: Before condoms can be considered as a prophylaxis for sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), their efficacy must be considered. This paper reviews evidence on condom effectiveness in reducing the risk of heterosexually transmitted human HIV. A meta-analysis conducted on data from in vivo studies of HIV discordant sexual partners is used to estimate the protective effect of condoms. Although contraceptive research indicates that condoms are 87% effective in preventing pregnancy, results of HIV transmission studies indicate that condoms may reduce risk of HIV infection by approximately 69%. Thus, efficacy may be much lower than commonly assumed, although results should be viewed tentatively due to design limitations in the original studies.

Keywords: HIV; prevention; sexual; behavior; condoms; meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1993
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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