An analysis of the human reasons underlying the failure to use a condom in 723 cases of venereal disease

Information from Venereal Case Cards indicates that is the main factor in the failure of sailors to use condoms. Other suspected factors were investigated through a questionnaire containing 10 possible for not using a condom as well as space for other reasons and suggestions for prevention of venereal disease (VD). The questionnaire was distributed to Medical Officers for completion by patients in the Far East Fleet. 723 completed questionnaires received between April 1963 and June 1964 a period when over 2300 cases of VD were officially reported contained 879 answers due to reporting of more than 1 reason. 263 (29%) reported they did not have a condom with them; 200 (23%) reported they did not think their partners were infected; 140 (16%) reported they were under the of alcohol; 126 (13.5%) did not want their pleasure to be spoiled; 59 (6.5%) had intercourse several times in 1 night with the same partner but only used a condom once; 42 (5.5%) felt that modern drugs would easily cure any resulting infection; 24 (3.4%) did not know that use of the condom could prevent VD; 17 (1.9%) said their religious beliefs preclude use of condoms; 7 (1%) stated their partner refused or ridiculed use of the condom; and 1 (.1%) stated the woman would have charged extra if a condom were used. 39 of 67 additional for nonuse were influence of alcohol and 11 were no intention. 22 of the 80 suggestions for preventing spread of VD involved various moral precepts 18 called for control and inspection of brothels 11 requested more films and instructions and the others suggested a variety of measures. 185 of the men completing questionnaires were married 538 were single and 79.7% were aged 18-25. The author recommends that better recreational facilities more information on the lives and working conditions of Eastern prostitutes and better VD propaganda films be provided for sailors.