Condom embarrassment: coping and consequences for condom use in three countries

Abstract

This studyinvestigates embarrassment related to condom purchase, carrying, storage, use, and disposal in three countries. We identifythe consequences of purchase embarrassment for condom use and explore strategies that individuals use to cope with purchase-related embarrassment. Surveys were distributed in Shanghai, China and Seoul, Republic of Korea based on a surveydeveloped and previouslydistributed in Vancouver, Canada. Despite different levels of development and differences in attitudes and policies toward sexualityin these countries, we find remarkablysimilar results. In all three countries, condom-related embarrassment extends beyond condom use to pre- and post-use situations. The embarrassment associated with purchasing condoms exceeds that of using condoms, and purchase-related condom embarrassment significantlyand negativelyimpacts the frequencyof condom use. Individuals use multiple coping strategies to combat purchase-related embarrassment until this embarrassment decreases with age and experience, and coping strategies are no longer needed to enable condom purchase. In short, embarrassment associated with condoms goes beyond embarrassment about condom use. Purchase-related embarrassment and the strategies individuals use to cope with this embarrassment must be considered in order to promote consistent condom use and improve sexual and reproductive health worldwide.