Motivations for Condom Use and Nonuse

Extract

This exploratory study investigates the motivations for condom use and nonuse among a sample of drug users and nonusers. Participants who reported condom use in the previous 30 days rated various reasons for using a condom the last time they had had sex (79 participants). Those who reported not using a condom rated reasons for not using a condom the last time they had had sex (147 participants). Factor analyses of these responses were used to summarize reasons for condom use and nonuse. It was found that a peer norms motivation and a relationship motivation (caring) supported both condom use and nonuse. A moral norms motivation supported condom use, but a motivation that denied moral norms supported nonuse. A self interest motivation of personal pleasure supported nonuse. No strictly self-interest motivation was identified for condom use: self-protection was associated with protection of the partner.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during 1997 almost half (48%) of the reported acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases with an identified source of exposure arose from sexual contact.¹ Research has shown that consistent, proper use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV through sexual contact.^2,3 As a result, public health agencies have implemented numerous campaigns designed to increase condom use among at-risk populations. However, sexual behaviors have proven remarkably resistant to change, especially among drug users.^4-7 Thus a central need in formulating sexual risk reduction strategies is to identify the motivations that govern condom use and nonuse.

ABBREVIATIONS: AIDS = acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.