Condom use among participants of the Carnival - gender perspective

Objective: This study has the purpose of identifying the use of condoms among men and women who participate in Carnival. Methods: Descriptive research with a quantitative nature using a sample according to convenience. The subjects were spectators, partygoers and workers present in the carnival parade at Sambadrome, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected in February of 2013, with 1067 respondents, by using a form. The analysis was performed using EpiInfo program. Results: Men use and have in-hand condoms in their day by day more often than women, they agree with the statements that the condom interferes in the sexual relation, they are more impulsive and tend to be expose themselves to risk situations. Conclusion: Inequality between the sexes and the hegemonic normative of male gender prevails in our society and contributes to the vulnerability of men and women.