A conceptual model of women's condom use intentions: Integrating intrapersonal and relationship factors

Abstract

We developed and tested a multifaceted model of condom use intentions with cross-sectional data from 435 heterosexual women at risk for HIV/STIs. In addition to traditional intrapersonal variables drawn from established models of HIV prevention (e.g. attitudes, norms, self-efficacy), the present study examined the role of relationship factors and dynamics (i.e. relationship commitment, duration, condom use and pregnancy prevention decision-making) in shaping condom use intentions. In some cases, relationship variables were directly associated with condom use intentions. In other cases their effects on condom use intentions were mediated by intrapersonal constructs. The final model accounted for 66% of the variance in condom use intentions and confirmed the importance of integrating intrapersonal variables and relationship characteristics and dynamics in understanding women's intentions to use condoms. These results offer important insights for the design of interventions directed at promoting condom use among young women at risk for HIV/STIs and underscore the need to design prevention programs that address relationship characteristics and dynamics.

Acknowledgments

This research was conducted as part of the PARTNERS Project, supported by cooperative agreements #U30/CCU 915062-1-0 and #U30/CCU 615166-1-0 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Members of the PARTNERS Project include S. Marie Harvey, Principal Investigator for the Los Angeles (CA) site; Heather C. Huszti, Principal Investigator for the Oklahoma City (OK) site; and Christine Galavotti, Katina A. Pappas-DeLuca, and Joan Marie Kraft, CDC Project Officers. We thank all members of the PARTNERS Project for their contributions to this study. We extend our sincere appreciation to the site field staff; without their dedication and contributions, this study would not have come to fruition.