Skip to main content

Predictors of Condom Use Self-Efficacy in an Ethnically Diverse University Sample

Archives of Sexual Behavior volume 35, pages 313–326 (2006)Cite this article

A multitude of factors influence condom use self-efficacy, including age, gender, ethnicity, condom use attitudes and barriers, sexual experience, and partner characteristics. The current study integrated past research by evaluating these factors in a large, ethnically diverse university sample of women and men (N=665). The role of gender on condom use and sexuality variables was assessed across ethnic groups. Hierarchical linear regressions were then calculated to explain levels of condom use self-efficacy using the hypothesized sexual predictors in nonvirgin, sexually active, and recent condom use subsamples. Predictors explained 18–45% of variance in condom use self-efficacy. Findings suggest that a few key variables accounted for the majority of variance in condom use self-efficacy: condom use attitudes, condom use barriers, satisfaction with sexual communication, anticipated number of sexual partners, one-time sexual encounters, and ethnic identity. Significant gender differences emerged in condom use self-efficacy, condom use attitudes, and condom use behaviors. Ethnic differences were found in range of sexual experience and sexual partner characteristics. It is recommended that future studies examining sexual risk behavior incorporate the diverse sexual factors that affect condom use self-efficacy.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

REFERENCES

  • Abraham, C., Sheeran, P., Norman, P., Conner, M., de Vries, N., & Otten, W. (1999). When good intentions are not enough: Modeling postdecisional cognitive correlates of condom use. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 29, 2591–2612.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, M., Emmers-Sommer, T. M., & Crowell, T. L. (2002). Couples negotiating safer sex behaviors: A meta-analysis of the impact of conversation and gender. In M. Allen, R. W. Priess, B. M. Gayle, & N. Burrell (Eds.), Interpersonal communication research: Advances through meta-analysis (pp. 263–279). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baele, J., Dusseldorp, E., & Maes, S. (2001). Condom use self-efficacy: Effect on intended and actual condom use in adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 28, 421–431.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Basen-Engquist, K., Edmundson, E. W., & Parcel, G. S. (1996). Structure of health risk behavior among high school students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64, 764–775.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Basen-Engquist, K., Masse, L. C., Coyle, K., Kirby, D., Parcel, G. S., Banspach, S., et al. (1999). Validity of scales measuring the psychosocial determinants of HIV/STI-related risk behavior in adolescents. Health Education Research, 14, 25–38.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Basen-Engquist, K., & Parcel, G. S. (1992). Attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy: A model of adolscents’ HIV-related sexual risk behavior. Health Education Quarterly, 19, 263–277.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bryan, A. D., Aiken, L. S., & West, S. G. (1997). Young women’s condom use: The influence of acceptance of sexuality, control over the sexual encounter, and perceived susceptibility to common STIs. Health Psychology, 16, 468–479.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, L. (1991). Gender, knowledge about AIDS, reported behavioral change, and the sexual behavior of college students. College Health, 40, 5–12.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, J. A., McNair, L. D., Corbin, W. R., & Williams, M. (1999). Gender differences related to heterosexual condom use: The influence of negotiation styles. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 25, 217–225.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cecil, H., & Pinkerton, S. D. (2001). Magnitude: An important dimension of self-efficacy. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30, 1243–1267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosby, R., DiClemente, R. J., Wingood, G. M., Sionean, C., Cobb, B. K., Harrington, K., et al. (2001). Correct condom application among African-American adolescent females: The relationship to perceived self-efficacy and the association to confirmed STDs. Journal of Adolescent Health, 29, 194–199.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dekin, B. (1996). Gender differences in HIV-related self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among college students. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 12, 61–66.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Derogatis, L. R. (1976). The DSFI: A multidimensional measure of sexual functioning. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 5, 244–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Visser, R. O., & Smith, A. M. A. (2001). Inconsistent users of condoms: A challenge to traditional models of health behaviour. Psychology and Health Medicine, 6, 41–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faryna, E. L., & Morales, E. (2000). Self-efficacy and HIV-related risk behaviors among multiethnic adolescents. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 6, 42–56.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez-Esquer, M. E., Atkinson, J., Diamond, P., Useche, B., & Mendiola, R. (2004). Condom use self-efficacy among U.S.- and foreign-born Latinos in Texas. Journal of Sex Research, 41, 390–399.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, J. L. (1996). Gender issues with condom use self-efficacy beliefs (Immune deficiency). Dissertation Abstracts International, 56(10), 5754.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerteisen, G. M. (1998). HIV/AIDS risk perceptions, health beliefs, perceived self-efficacy and sexual issues related to young women’s condom use behavior. Dissertation Abstracts International, 58(11-B), 5913.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, A. L. (1997). AIDS health locus of control and condom use self-efficacy as predictors of condom use in college students. Dissertation Abstracts International, 57(9), 5901.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein, A. B. (1997). Predictors of condom use self-efficacy in women at risk for HIV/AIDS. Dissertation Abstracts International, 58(5), 2660.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomez, C. A., & Marin, B. V. O. (1996). Gender, culture, and power: Barriers to HIV-prevention strategies for women. Journal of Sex Research, 33, 355–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, J., Fulop, N., & Kocsis, A. (2000). Determinants of unsafe sex in women. International Journal of STI and AIDS, 11, 777–783.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hale, P. J., & Trumbetta, S. L. (1996). Women’s self-efficacy and sexually transmitted disease preventative behaviors. Research in Nursing & Health, 19, 101–110.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heinrich, L. B. (1993). Contraceptive self-efficacy in college women. Journal of Adolescent Health, 14, 269–276.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hofstede, G. H. (1991). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. London: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hynie, M., Schuller, R. A., & Couperthwaite, L. (2003). Perceptions of sexual intent: The impact of condom possession. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 27, 75–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Juran, S. (1995). The 90’s: Gender differences in AIDS-related sexual concerns and behaviors, condom use and subjective condom experiences. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 7, 39–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Langer, L. M., Zimmerman, R. S., & Cabral, R. J. (1994). Perceived versus actual condom skills among clients at sexually transmitted disease clinics. Public Health Reports, 109, 683–687.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lauby, J. L., Semaan, S., O’Connell, A., Person, B., & Vogel, A. (2001). Factors related to self-efficacy for use of condoms and birth control among women at risk for HIV infection. Women and Health, 34, 71–91.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luszczynska, A., Gutierrez-Dona, B., & Schwarzer, R. (in press). General self-efficacy in various domains of human functioning: Evidence from five countries. International Journal of Psychology.

  • Magoun, M., & Alison, M. (2000). The impact of security of attachment to mothers, communication with mothers, and contraceptive self-efficacy upon female college students’ contraceptive use. Dissertation Abstracts International, 61(3), 1642.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maibach, E., & Murphy, D. A. (1995). Self-efficacy in health promotion research and practice: Conceptualization and measurement. Health Education Research, 10, 37–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mays, V., & Cochran, S. (1988). Issues in the perception of AIDS risk and risk reduction activities by Black and Hispanic/Latina women. American Psychologist, 43, 949–957.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meston, C. M., & Trapnell, P. D. (2005). Development and validation of a five factor sexual satisfaction and distress scale: The Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W). Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2, 66–81.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meston, C. M., Trapnell, P. D., & Gorzalka, B. B. (1996). Ethnic and gender differences in sexuality: Variations in sexual behavior between Asian and non-Asian university students. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 25, 33–71.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meston, C. M., Trapnell, P. D., & Gorzalka, B. B. (1998). Ethnic, gender, and length-of-residency influences on sexual knowledge and attitudes. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 176–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mize, S. J. S., Robinson, B. E., Bockting, W. O., & Scheltema, K. E. (2002). Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions for women. AIDS Care, 14, 163–180.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, C. A. (1999). Condom use and qualities of women’s dating and family relationships: HIV and pregnancy prevention. Dissertation Abstracts International, 59(9), 5101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, D. A., Stein, J. A., Schlenger, W., Maibach, E., & The National Institute of Mental Health Multisite HIV Prevention Trial Group. (2001). Conceptualizing the multidimensional nature of self-efficacy: Assessment of situational context and level of behavioral challenge to maintain safer sex. Health Psychology, 20, 281–290.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • O’Leary, A., Goodhart, F., Jemmott, S., & Boccher-Lattimore, D. (1992). Predictors of safer sex on the college campus: A social cognitive theory analysis. Journal of American College Health, 40, 254–263.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Leary, A., Maibach, E., Ambrose, T. K., Jemmott, J. B., & Celentano, D. D. (2000). Social cognitive predictors of sexual risk behavior change among STI clinic patients. AIDS and Behavior, 4, 309–316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orbell, S., Hodgkins, S., & Sheeran, P. (1997). Implementation intentions and the theory of planned behavior. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 23, 945–954.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, J. T., Halkitis, P. N., Bimbi, D., & Borkowski, T. (2000). Perceptions of the benefits and costs associated with condom use and unprotected sex among late adolescent college students. Journal of Adolescence, 23, 377–391.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quatrella, L. A. (2000). Predictors of condom use self-efficacy and perceptions of responsibilities of safer sex behaviors among college students. Dissertation Abstracts International, 61(4), 2275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raj, A., & Pollack, R. H. (1995). Factors predicting high-risk sexual behavior in heterosexual college females. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 21, 213–224.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ransom, J. E. (1998). Factors related to safer sex behaviors in young college students. Dissertation Abstracts International, 59(5), 2126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Redding, C. A., & Rossi, J. S. (1999). Testing a model of situational self-efficacy for safer sex among college students: State and gender-based differences. Psychology and Health, 14, 467–486.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, J., & Stephens, Y. D. (1998). A discriminant analysis of young adults’ knowledge of the human papillomavirus and self-efficacy of condom use. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 10, 71–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richard, R., & van der Pligt, J. (1991). Factors affecting condom use among adolescents. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 1, 105–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salina, D. D., Razzano, L., & Lesondak, L. (2000). Influence of health beliefs, attitudes and concern about HIV/AIDS on condom use in college women. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 19, 41–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, J. A., & Gangestad, S. W. (1991). Individual differences in sociosexuality: Evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 870–883.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soet, J. E., Dilorio, C., & Dudley, W. N. (1998). Women’s self-reported condom use: Intra and interpersonal factors. Women & Health, 27, 19–32.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sterk, C. E., Klein, H., & Elifson, K. W. (2003). Perceived condom use self-efficacy among at-risk women. AIDS and Behavior, 7, 175–182.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svenson, G. R., Oestergren, P., Merlo, J., & Rastam, L. (2002). Action control and situational risks in the prevention of HIV and STIs: Individual, dyadic, and social influences on consistent condom use in a university population. AIDS Education and Prevention, 14, 515–531.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trafimow, D. (2000). Habit as both a direct cause of intention to use a condom and as a moderator of the attitude-intention and subjective norm-intention relations. Psychology and Health, 15, 383–393.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Treise, D., & Weigold, M. F. (2001). AIDS public service announcements: Effects of fear and repetition on predictors of condom use. Health Marketing Quarterly, 18, 39–61.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uddin, M. (1996). College women’s sexuality in an era of AIDS. Journal of American College Health, 44, 252–261.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wulfert, E., & Wan, C. K. (1993). Condom use: A self-efficacy model. Health Psychology, 12, 346–353.

    PubMed  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yzer, M. C., Siero, F. W., & Buunk, B. P. (2001). Bringing up condom use and using condoms with new sexual partners: Intentional or habitual? Psychology and Health, 16, 409–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This publication was made possible by Grant # 5 RO1 AT00224-02 from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to the second author. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada

    Melissa A. Farmer B.A.

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A8000, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA

    Cindy M. Meston Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Melissa A. Farmer B.A.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cindy M. Meston Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cindy M. Meston Ph.D..

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Farmer, M.A., Meston, C.M. Predictors of Condom Use Self-Efficacy in an Ethnically Diverse University Sample. Arch Sex Behav 35, 313–326 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-006-9027-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-006-9027-5

KEY WORDS:

  • condom use self-efficacy
  • ethnicity
  • sexual risk behavior
  • gender differences
  • psychosexual behavior
  • sexual communication