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Findings from recent studies in the United States indicate that some men report they perceive problems with the fit and feel of condoms and that these perceptions are associated with lack of consistent condom use. However, little research has explored how men outside the U.S. feel about the fit and feel of condoms. The research project was conducted by researchers in the U.S. in collaboration with a range of community partners in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. A total of 2,921 men completed The Condom Fit and Feel Scale and other items via Internet-based surveys available in six languages. Men from each nation were compared using descriptive and multivariate techniques to assess condom fit and feel. Although most men reported they generally perceived condoms to fit fine and feel comfortable, there were differences across men in different countries with regard to specific issues they experienced with condom fit and feel. In particular, men in the Netherlands were least likely to report that condoms fit fine and most likely to report that condoms felt too tight and/or too short. Men from Slovenia were most likely to report that condoms were too loose. The fit and feel issues that men identified may be among those that are associated with their likelihood of using, or not using, condoms consistently and correctly. A better understanding of fit and feel perceptions in this study will be beneficial to both condom manufacturers and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess differences in sexual health behaviors, outcomes, and potential sociocultural determinants among male college students in the United States and the Netherlands. Methods: Survey data were collected from random samples of students from both national cultures. Results: American men were more likely to report inadequate contraception, HIV/STD infection, and unintended pregnancy than were Dutch men. Religiosity and sexuality education were able to explain national differences in these sexual health outcomes. Conclusions: Findings suggest that sexuality education seems to decrease, rather than increase, sexual risk in heterosexually active male college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]