Preface

The Kinsey Institute Condom Research Team (CURT) has been investigating male condom use for over a decade. Our international team, from public health, sex research, psychology, and gender studies, began by studying the prevalence of condom use errors and problems and their correlates among diverse populations in the United States and Canada. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we have contributed to the literature that has demonstrated the ubiquitous nature of condom use errors and problems, and a myriad of cultural, psychosocial, and sexual influences on condom use in general. More recently, we have expanded our focus to the development of behavioural interventions to increase the quality and frequency of condom use. Given the global pandemic of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), CURT edited this special issue of Sexual Health to provide researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive and accessible resource on condom use for STI prevention from an international perspective. Reports about condom use in different countries expand our knowledge of important issues faced around the world. We hope that the information in this special issue will be valuable to health-related organisations in their efforts to develop policies and behavioural interventions to increase correct and consistent condom use to better serve the public worldwide.