Acquiring allergen information from condom manufacturers: A questionnaire survey

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis from condoms is a problem that carries significant morbidity and that has been increasingly reported due to the use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases as well as for birth control. Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the process by which condom manufacturing companies divulge product allergen information to health care professionals. Methods: An interviewer-administered telephone questionnaire eliciting the staff member's knowledge of condom allergens was utilized. Eligible respondents were condom manufacturers' service staff over 18 years of age. Results: Complete surveys were obtained regarding 36 (85.7%) of the 42 subtypes of condoms. Telephoning was the primary (75%) method of obtaining allergen information. The majority (63.9%) of the information was obtained within minutes to hours of the initial contact. Nearly two-thirds of the interviews evaluated the condom manufacturers' service staff as good and effective in their knowledge base and in providing product information. Conclusion: The study determined that the extent of knowledge, helpfulness, and effectiveness of the customer service personnel in relaying product allergen information to clinicians were generally good. The study additionally generated a reference table outlining the common allergens in major manufactured condoms.