Condom Use Among Adult Residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Since 2003 the HIV/AIDS virus has been a primary cause of death for U.S. Virgin Islands residents between ages 13 and 54 years; by 2008, the USVI ranked second in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the United States and 5 U.S. dependent areas. How HIV/AIDS-related infection knowledge, condom use attitudes, and condom use self-efficacy affect condom use among this cohort was unknown. A quantitative, cross-sectional study based upon social cognitive theory was conducted. Predictor variables of HIV/AIDS-related infection knowledge, condom use attitudes, and condom use self-efficacy were tested for an association with condom use among 265 adult residents of the USVI who have sexual partners of the opposite sex or who are bisexual. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to test for relationships. None of the predictor variables were associated with condom use. After adjusting for covariates, marital status was significantly associated with consistent use of condoms. Single participants had more than 3 times the odds and participants who were divorced, separated, or widowed had more than 4 times the odds of consistently using condoms than married participants. Married women were at greater risk for HIV/AIDS because of low and inconsistent condom use, and only 36% of all participants reported consistent condom use during sexual activity. This study can contribute to positive social change by acting as the foundation for culturally sensitive and linguistically suitable public health programs to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors, lower the risk for HIV/AIDS infection, and improve the lives of USVI residents.