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Concurrent Alcohol and Marijuana Use as a Determinant of Condom Beliefs and Utility Among African American Male Inmates

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Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which regular use of marijuana and alcohol may influence African American inmate’s beliefs, views, and practices regarding condoms. In this article, we report and discuss the implications of our findings for the planning of HIV prevention interventions for African American male inmate populations. Relationships between individual condom use and belief variables were examined using linear regression models. All models specified regularity of marijuana or alcohol use with respect to detailed condom use or belief outcomes as predictor variables. Analysis from 126 male inmates recruited from three medium security prisons and one Area Transition Center in Georgia are presented herein. Results note that frequency of marijuana use predicted and was associated with inmate’s reporting how often they use a condom during sex (Beta = −0.261, P < 0.009), suggesting that the more respondents reported smoking marijuana, the less likely they were to indicating using condoms during sex. Regularity of alcohol consumption was almost predictive of inmates indicating that they could always talk to any potential sex partner to make him/her understand why they should use condoms (p < 0.082) and stating that they could always say no to sexual intercourse with someone they had just met even if they were very attracted to that person (p < 0.063).

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Ethical Statement

As the first author, I acknowledge that this is original research and represents an accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Moreover, the submitted research is not fraudulent or has any knowingly inaccurate statements that can be perceived to constitute unethical behavior. In addition, the following is true:

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    All authors have written entirely original works, and if the authors have not used the work and/or words of others and that all referenced materials has been appropriately cited or quoted.

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    This is not a multiple, redundant, or concurrent publication and that we have properly acknowledged the work of others where required. Authorship is strictly limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study.

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    There is no conflict of interest involved with the publication of this study and no financial or other substantive conflict of interest that might be construed to influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript are present.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Torrance Stephens, Mia Swyaah, Darius Gardner & Michelle Mitchell

  2. Department of Political Science, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Torrance Stephens

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  1. Torrance Stephens
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  2. Mia Swyaah
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  3. Darius Gardner
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Correspondence to Torrance Stephens.

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This Research was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse [1 R01 DA122331-01A1].

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Stephens, T., Swyaah, M., Gardner, D. et al. Concurrent Alcohol and Marijuana Use as a Determinant of Condom Beliefs and Utility Among African American Male Inmates. Sex Res Soc Policy 12, 273–279 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-015-0192-y

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