Female condom color and scent preference in Durban, South Africa

Mags Beksinska; Jenni Smit; Amanda Mona; Virginia Maphumulo; Nonhlanhla Mphili; Nontsikelelo Manzini-Matebula; Thato Chidarikire

doi:10.1016/j.conx.2023.100095

Female condom color and scent preference in Durban, South Africa

Contracept X. 2023 Jun 29:5:100095. doi: 10.1016/j.conx.2023.100095. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Mags Beksinska¹, Jenni Smit¹, Amanda Mona¹, Virginia Maphumulo¹, Nonhlanhla Mphili¹, Nontsikelelo Manzini-Matebula², Thato Chidarikire³

Affiliations

¹ MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa.
² UNFPA, Pretoria, South Africa.
³ Department of Health, South Africa.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess preferences for female condom (FC) colors and scents.

Study design: Women aged 18-40 years were randomized to one of three FCs (FC2, Cupid1, Cupid2) two of which offered a choice of color and scent (red/strawberry, purple/vanilla, natural/unscented). Women could choose any variety within condom types while participating in an FC contraceptive efficacy study in South Africa.

Results: One hundred and thirty-three women were allocated to each FC type. Strawberry was the most popular variety for both FC2 and Cupid1 (60.9%, 78.3% respectively). Some women chose more than one variety but few chose the natural.

Conclusions: Data support a clear preference for colored and scented FCs.

Implications: These data can inform FC programme managers to predict demand for different varieties of FC and can adjust supply of FCs accordingly.

Keywords: Acceptability; Africa; Color; Female condoms; Scent.