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Determinants of Female and Male Condom Use Among Immigrant Women of Central American Descent

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Abstract

This study was designed to determine factors that influence female and male condom use among Central American women, applying the theory of planned behavior. A cross-sectional design was employed and a sample of 175 Central American women, 18–50 years old, was recruited from a community-based clinic in Los Angeles County. Participants in this study were interviewed face-to-face. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control explained 41% and 45% of the variation in the intention to use male and female condoms, respectively. Respondents' friends and mothers influenced their subjective norms. Beliefs regarding sexual sensation and sexually transmitted infection/pregnancy prevention affected respondents' attitudes toward condoms. Trust issues were also a major factor affecting attitudes toward female condoms. Condom use and sex negotiation skills predicted control over condoms. Results of this study can be used to design HIV/AIDS prevention programs that help women feel control over condom use and their sexual behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California

    Yamir Salabarría-Peña, Jerry W. Lee, Susanna B. Montgomery & Helen W. Hopp

  2. Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

    Arnulfo A. Muralles

Authors
  1. Yamir Salabarría-Peña
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  2. Jerry W. Lee
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  3. Susanna B. Montgomery
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  4. Helen W. Hopp
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  5. Arnulfo A. Muralles
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Correspondence to Jerry W. Lee.

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Salabarría-Peña, Y., Lee, J.W., Montgomery, S.B. et al. Determinants of Female and Male Condom Use Among Immigrant Women of Central American Descent. AIDS Behav 7, 163–174 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023998308892

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