BACKGROUND:

Sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies are two major public health problems. The male condom reduces the risks while as people acquire more experience and knowledge of their correct and consistent use.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

An observational, analytical, transversal and prospective study was done. The type of sample was by conglomerates, selecting 9 groups of high school students. A questionnaire called “knowledge of the correct use of masculine condoms” was applied to these students.

RESULTS:

There were included 201 students, from which 105 were men. The mean age was 16 years old; 191 were single, 4 were married and 6 lived in free union. Results showed that less than a half of the people has a correct knowledge of the use of the masculine condom whether of their sex or marital status.

CONCLUSION:

Despite of the information given constantly by diverse media, professionals in health and academic institutions, a very low percentage of subjects have knowledge about the correct use of the male condom.