ABSTRACT
Percentages are very frequently used in univariate analysis of nominal data. When there are scores, averages are often computed. The mean is the most frequently used average; it is computed by summing the scores and dividing by the number of scores. The rapid spread of the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmissible diseases has led to increased research on the male condom. Because condom breakage during intercourse or withdrawal seriously undermines this protection, numerous studies have examined the frequency of this problem. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a relatively small proportion of condom users are responsible for a disproportionate number of breaks. If this is the case, the proportion of these “condom breakers” in a study could affect the study’s overall breakage rate. Because so little is known about the characteristics of such individuals, we cannot predict accurate condom breakage rates for a given user.
