The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62265

Linda J Beckman, PhD, Clinical Ph.D. Program, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, 1000 S. Freemont Avenue, Unit 5, Alhambra, CA 91803, 626-284-2777, ext. 3043, lbeckman@earthlink.net, S. Marie Harvey, DrPH, Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1201, and Sheryl Thorburn Bird, PhD, MPH, Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 264 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406.

For sexually active heterosexual individuals correct and consistent condom use remains the most effective method of preventing STIs including HIV. Many men and women at risk of HIV and other STIs, however, do not use condoms consistently, despite knowledge about HIV and the importance of condom use. Because many psychosocial theories focus on individual variables and do not address contextual factors that likely influence sexual behavior, their usefulness for understanding condom use is limited. In this presentation, we will 1) describe the conceptual model of condom use that informed the design of a couple-based intervention to reduce unprotected intercourse among young women from diverse ethnic/racial groups and their heterosexual partners; and 2) test the usefulness of this model in predicting condom use intentions for men and women. Data come from baseline interviews conducted with both members of 435 heterosexual couples who were eligible to participate in the intervention. The model includes intrapersonal constructs that have been shown to be related to condom use intentions (i.e., attitudes toward condoms, subjective norms, perceived vulnerability, motivation to use condoms, and condom use self efficacy) and extends previous theoretical frameworks to include relationship characteristics and dynamics. Preliminary analysis indicate that several intrapersonal variables predict women's intentions to use condoms. In addition, the model suggests that relationship characteristics (e.g., commitment, marital status, cohabitation) influence intentions indirectly through the intrapersonal variables. A description of the model for men and a comparison between male and female models will be presented and implications discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• identify three intrapersonal variables associated with condom use intentions
• discuss the relationships between relationship characteristics and dynamics and condom use intentions
• describe differences between male and female models of condom use

Keywords: Condom Use, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.