Abstract
Intravaginal barrier methods that women can control, such as the female condom (FC), may provide them with alternatives to the male condom (MC) for protecting themselves from HIV and other STD infections. We assessed the role of sex partner and relationship factors in predicting attitudes toward female-control features of barrier methods and receptiveness to trying the FC. Nonpregnant women, aged 18 to 35 years (predominantly African-American) and having a main male sex partner (n = 824), who attended two public STD clinics in Alabama were interviewed. Strongly valuing the female-control features of barrier methods was associated with suspecting the main partner as the source of their last STD infection and with the belief that MC requests would raise a partner's concerns about trust; discomfort with vaginal insertion was inversely related. Factors associated with being very receptive to trying the FC were: 4 or more lifetime sex partners, belief that MCs are necessary in stable relationships, unbalanced decision power in the main relationship, dissatisfaction with communication with partner about the need for MCs, low MC self-efficacy, inability to talk with friends or female relatives about the need for MCs, and valuing features of female-controlled barrier methods; again, aversion to vaginal insertion was inversely related. Partner's violence and history of partner objections or adverse reactions to MC requests (e.g., coercion, abandonment) did not predict interest in trying the FC. For some women who are comfortable with genital contact, have poor confidence and skills in communicating with their partners about MCs, and who lack social support, barrier methods such as the FC may be an appealing addition to HIV prevention strategies.