Increasing condom-use intentions among sexually active black adolescent women.

Whether a social cognitive theory AIDS prevention intervention would increase intentions to use condoms among 109 sexually active inner-city black female adolescents was tested. Analyses revealed that the women scored higher in intentions to use condoms, AIDS knowledge, outcome expectancies regarding condom use, and self-efficacy to use condoms after the intervention than before the intervention. Although increased self-efficacy and more favorable outcome expectancies regarding the effects of condoms on sexual enjoyment and sexual partner's support for condom use were significantly related to increased condom-use intentions, increases in general AIDS knowledge and specific prevention-related beliefs were not.     

Prevention strategies other than male condoms employed by low-income women to prevent HIV infection

This study sought to determine HIV prevention strategies other than male condom use employed by low-income women who have sex with men (WSM) and to identify variables that predict use of these strategies. A cross-sectional survey of nearly 4,000 women receiving Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits in 21 Missouri counties was conducted. The response rate was 58%, with 2,256 completed questionnaires returned. Women were asked to indicate one or more of nine methods they had ever used to prevent HIV infection. Women were also asked about their use of male condoms, preference for male condoms versus female condoms, and which partner usually made decisions about STD/HIV prevention. Of the 2,256 questionnaires returned, 1,325 WSM indicated use of at least one HIV prevention strategy other than condom use. Strategies were: being tested for HIV (68.2%), partner being tested for HIV (44.1%), asking partner about his sex history (41.1%), using oral contraceptives (18.8%), asking him if he has HIV (13.7%), douching (11.8%), withdrawal (9.4%), and having anal or oral sex (6.6%). Common predictors of these strategies were race, education, history of STD, condom use, and marital status. Basic misunderstandings about HIV prevention are common in specified subpopulations of low-income women. HIV prevention programs for low-income WSM should capitalize on women's efforts to prevent HIV by designing programs to help women replace ineffective prevention strategies with effective prevention strategies.     

Who knows more about condoms? A comparison between nursing students, education students, and at-risk adolescents

PURPOSE: To examine knowledge regarding appropriate use of condoms and lubricants among three groups: female at-risk adolescents, nursing students, and education students. METHODS: Study participants were 236 adolescents: 65 recruited through community agencies, 79 female nursing students, and 92 female education students. These participants completed anonymous questionnaires concerning lubricants, general condom knowledge, and sexual experience. RESULTS: Neither nursing students nor education students were more knowledgeable than adolescents not enrolled in college. All participants were about as likely to think unsafe lubricants were safe as they were to think that safe lubricants were unsafe. Personal experience with vaginal intercourse and condom use was associated with increased knowledge (p < 0.05). However, 27% to 66% of participants who had used condoms answered the lubricant questions incorrectly. IMPLICATIONS: Nursing students need more education about condoms and condom lubricants if they intend to teach patients effectively. Moreover, nurses should not assume that youth are knowledgeable about appropriate condom use based on their level of education or sexual experience.     

Gender and knowledge about HIV,risky sexual behavior,and safer sex practices

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in knowledge about HIV, the reported incidence of risky sexual behavior, and comfort with safer sexual practices among young adults. The conceptual framework was social role theory, which argues for the influence of gender roles on beliefs and social behaviors. Participants were 141 female and 131 male college students who responded to questions regarding their knowledge of HIV, risk-taking behaviors with respect to HIV, and comfort with safer sexual behaviors. Overall, respondents had accurate knowledge about HIV. However, men reported engaging in significantly more risky behaviors than women. More men reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in unplanned, spontaneous situations, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a person not well known. More women reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in long-term relationships. Women were significantly more comfortable abstaining from sexual intercourse and asking partners about their sexual history while men were significantly more comfortable buying condoms. Both men and women reported comfort using condoms. Gender roles help to explain why men are willing to take more risks, and in what situations risk taking is apt to occur. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Knowledge, attitude, and practice about AIDS and condom utilization among health workers in Rwanda.

Health workers in rural Rwanda were surveyed cross-sectionally on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about AIDS, HIV, and condom utilization. Participants were 350 health workers from six randomly chosen communities (three rural, three semirural). In general, knowledge about HIV/AIDS was moderate to good, with an average of 63% of the questions answered correctly; men (and younger respondents) had a better knowledge than did women (p =.01; older participants, p =.015). However, in the specific area of HIV/AIDS symptoms, knowledge was inadequate. In general, the attitude of health workers toward condoms was not sufficiently positive. Regular use of condoms was reported by 17%; the only variable significantly associated with condom use was having more than one partner during the past year. Men and those who scored high on knowledge had a more positive attitude toward infected individuals than did women (p =.003) and those with less knowledge (p =.001). In conclusion, there is an urgent need to institute educational programs to reduce the stigma about condoms among health workers in Rwanda.     

A survey of female nursing students' knowledge, health beliefs, perceptions of risk, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge of, perceived susceptibility to, perceived seriousness of, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among female nursing students. DATA SOURCES: A 40-item survey of HPV and cervical cancer was distributed to a convenience sample of 240 female nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program. CONCLUSIONS: Female nursing students participate in high-risk sexual behaviors and have a fairly low knowledge level, low perceived susceptibility, and low perceived seriousness regarding HPV and cervical cancer. Knowledge and perceived susceptibility were positively related to number of sexual partners. This may indicate that the women who engage in riskier behavior are more knowledgeable about HPV and their risk of contracting the disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Results indicate that all practitioners involved in the care of women should educate them about HPV and its relationship to cervical cancer. Education should include the need to use condoms to prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.     

The interrelationship between violence, HIV/AIDS, and drug use in incarcerated women.

The purpose of this study was to examine how violence co-occurs with drug use and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among women incarcerated for drug use. This study was a supplement to a larger, experimental study designed to reduce HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among incarcerated female drug users. The women who participated (N = 170) reported that violence was a major part of their lives and affected many of their behaviors. Among these 170 women, 26.6% used condoms for oral sex, 46.4% for vaginal intercourse, and 65% were either sexually or physically abused. Intimate partner abuse was reported by 33.9% of the women. About 16% reported forced sexual activity, and 17.5% feared their partners. Women who refused to give oral sex to their male partners and those who insisted on condom use during oral sex prior to jail were more likely to be sexually or physically abused (chi 2 = 4.104; chi 2 = 3.886, p < .05, respectively). Although statistically significant interrelationships were not found among the three variables, significant bivariate relationships were found between intimate violence and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors.     

Applying the theory of reasoned action to AIDS risk behavior: condom use among black women

This study tested hypotheses regarding attitudinal and normative influences on intentions to use condoms, a practice that would reduce women's risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection. Participants were 103 sexually active unmarried black women undergraduates at an inner-city commuter university, in an area with a high rate of reported AIDS cases among women. Consistent with the theory of reasoned action, multiple regression analysis on women's anonymous responses to a mailed survey revealed that those who registered more favorable attitudes toward condoms and those who perceived subjective norms more supportive of condom use reported firmer intentions to use condoms in the next three months. Key behavioral beliefs related to attitudes centered on the adverse effects of condom use on sexual enjoyment. Key normative influences were respondents' sexual partners and mothers. However, women's own attitudes were a stronger determinant of intentions to use condoms than were their perceptions of normative influences, particularly among women with above-average AIDS knowledge. The results suggest that the theory of reasoned action provides a potentially useful conceptual framework for interventions to change a key AIDS risk behavior among women.     

The lives of incarcerated women: violence, substance abuse, and at risk for HIV.

High rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are seen in women prisoners. These high rates may be related to the nature of their lives, which may include violence, substance abuse, promiscuity, prostitution, and exchange of sex for drugs--all of which increase their risk for acquiring HIV. The purpose of this study was to examine the HIV-related risk behaviors and protective practices of women prisoners in a rural southern state and factors related to these behaviors. The sample included 57 women incarcerated in a medium-to-maximum security prison. Key findings included high rates of substance abuse, extensive past and current violent experiences including sexual abuse, high percentage of multiple partners, and low use of condoms. Additionally, women in this sample did not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. Practical suggestions for reducing the HIV risks of incarcerated women are offered.     

Knowledge and practice of condom use among first year students at University of the North, South Africa

The aim of the study is to investigate knowledge and sexual practices with reference to correct use of condoms among first year South African University students. The sample consisted of 206 participants, 146 female and 60 male, the mean age was 20.9 years (SD = 3.4), with a range from 17 to 34 years. Results indicated that one third (29.2%) of the sample reported never using condoms, 35.4% always, 19.8% regularly and 8.5% irregularly in the past three months. About 90% levels of correct answers for condom use were found for the items of 'condoms as protection against STD and AIDS', 'expiry date of condoms', and 're-using condoms'. More than 15% were not aware that a condom should be put on before any contact with the vagina. The most common mistakes with respect to condom use were ignorance about the correct moment to put on a condom (56%), and when to take off a condom (55%). Male sex and especially increasing recent sexual encounters was associated with correct condom knowledge. The most common reasons for not using a condom were 'I do not have the AIDS virus' and 'I thought I was safe' seems to indicate a low perceived susceptibility. Findings are discussed in view of condom promotion programmes.     

2009年山西省阳泉市艾滋病哨点监测结果分析

目的了解山西省阳泉市性病门诊男性就诊者、暗娼、流动人口对艾滋病相关知识的知晓情况、危险行为及HIV、梅毒及HCV的感染情况,为干预策略的制定提供依据。方法根据全国哨点监测统一方案的要求,2009年在阳泉市408名性病门诊男性就诊者、401名暗娼和407名流动人口进行问卷调查和血清抗HIV、快速血浆反应素环状卡片试验(RPR)、抗HCV检测。结果性病门诊男性就诊者艾滋病防治知识的知晓率高于暗娼和流动人口。暗娼人群和流动人口中未检出HIV抗体阳性者。性病门诊男性就诊者中检出HIV抗体阳性者1例,阳性率为0.25%,梅毒阳性率为15.93%,HCV阳性率为0.98%;近3个月发生商业性行为的占82.35%,与临时性伴发生性行为占54.90%;近1年被诊断为性病占43.14%。暗娼中梅毒阳性率为1.50%,HCV阳性率为0.50%;最近1次商业性行为使用安全套占86.28%;近1个月商业性行为每次使用安全套并坚持使用占74.06%。流动人口中梅毒阳性率和HCV阳性率均为0.24%,近1年发生商业性行为占25.43%,安全套每次使用率为40.38%;最近一次商业性行为安全套使用率为47.12%。结论加强各类人群的艾滋病监测,进一步加强健康教育和干预力度,控制艾滋病在阳泉市的传播流行。     

Women's Beliefs Concerning Condom Acquisition and Use

Abstract Condoms are a time-honored and reliable method of protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, their use, and thus their effectiveness, is determined by individual behavior. The purpose of this paper is to report attitudes and salient beliefs related to condom use in a sample of adult women. The study used Ajzen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior to identify modal, salient beliefs regarding condom acquisition and use as intentional behaviors. The study sample consisted of 58 community women who reported using condoms for contraceptive purposes within the last five years. In face-to-face, audiotaped interviews, open-ended questions were used to solicit beliefs regarding condom acquisition and use. All subject narratives were content-analyzed for recurrent themes. Women cited accessibility and effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as both advantages and as factors contributing to the ease of acquisition and use. Disadvantages and factors that might deter condom acquisition and use included embarrassment, objections by male partner, and effect on spontaneity. Overall, subjects exhibited accurate knowledge regarding the benefits of condom acquisition and use. However, it is possible that expressed negative beliefs could take precedence in decision-making and reduce the probability of consistent condom use.     

Contraception in women with IDDM. An epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE--To study whether suitable contraceptive methods to women with diabetes mellitus in fact are applied. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--A questionnaire survey on the use of contraceptives in all 18-to-49-yr-old women (n = 261) with IDDM in Funen County, Denmark, and an age-comparable control group, (n = 287) was performed. Data were collected from 1987 to 1990. Response was achieved from 94% diabetic women and 88% control subjects. RESULTS--The overall use of contraception in diabetic women (77.1%) was almost identical to that of control subjects (73.6%). Compared with control subjects, significantly fewer diabetic women were using the OCP (P < 0.005) and partner sterilization (P < 0.05), whereas more diabetic women were sterilized (P < 0.0005). Among diabetic contraceptive users, the IUD, female sterilization, condoms, and the OCP each accounted for roughly 20%. Diabetic women using the OCP were predominantly young, and most had never been pregnant; approximately 20% of them used high-dose formulations. Sterilization was frequently used by older diabetic women, and most of these women had 2 or more children; 27% of the diabetic women using an IUD were nulligravidae. Further, 18% used a method with an unsuitable high failure rate. CONCLUSIONS--Our study demonstrates that diabetic women are not sufficiently advised concerning use of contraception.     

Health status of the New York City prison population

During a two-week period in June 1975, all 1,420 prisoners admitted to New York City Correctional Facilities were studied to determine the prevalence of current and past health conditions. Information was obtained from a standard admission health examination. Almost three-quarters of the male and female prisoners were 30 years or less. Of the study population, 57 per cent were black, 24 per cent were Hispanic and 17 per cent were white. Forty-one per cent reported a history of illicit drug use. More than one-quarter of the prisoners reported a present illness and three-fifths received at least one diagnosis. Commonly diagnosed conditions included drug abuse, psychiatric disorder, trauma, and alcohol abuse. Seven per cent of male prisoners had a previous psychiatric hospitalization. On examination, new trauma was noted in 10 per cent of the male population. In addition to these findings, a history of seizure disorder was reported in 4 per cent of the male population. Health services within prisons must be able to manage the most pressing problems in this population-substance abuse and psychiatric disorder and provide care for the range of conditions that is similar to that found in the general population for this age group.     

Contraceptive self‐efficacy and contraceptive knowledge of Hong Kong Chinese women with unplanned pregnancy

Aim and objectives. The purpose of this study was to explore contraceptive practice, the level of knowledge and self‐efficacy of contraception among Chinese women with unplanned pregnancy and to determine the relationships between these variables. Background. The construct of self‐efficacy can be employed as a theory to design a nursing intervention to prevent sexually active women from unplanned pregnancy. Only a few western studies have investigated the relationships between self‐efficacy and contraception behaviour yet none targeted at the Chinese population. Design. Cross‐sectional survey. Methods. This study employed a cross‐sectional survey design. A convenience sample of 117 eligible Chinese females completed all the questionnaires, which included the Chinese version of the Contraceptive Self‐efficacy Scale and Contraceptive Knowledge Scale. Results. The findings in this study suggested that younger, unmarried women at the lower income group, who adopted male condoms are at risk for unplanned pregnancy. The sample demonstrated an above medium level of knowledge and self‐efficacy in contraception. However, no significant relationship was found between contraceptive self‐efficacy and knowledge (p>0·05). Conclusions. Contraceptive obstacles were revealed by participants’ moderate level of contraceptive self‐efficacy and contraceptive knowledge. The relationship between contraceptive knowledge of specific methods and contraceptive self‐efficacy need further exploration in future studies. Relevance to clinical practice. The dominant use of male condoms by the sample of this study sheds light on future direction in the development of educational programmes and contraceptive promotion strategies appropriate for women with unplanned pregnancy.     

HIV prevention outreach in black communities of three rural north Florida counties

Literature to guide HIV prevention outreach for southeastern rural blacks is limited despite the increasing prevalence of HIV infection in this population. Three men and one woman conducted HIV prevention outreach in three north Florida rural counties in teams of two. The workers received five days of training in additional homework assignments. The workers used HIV/AIDS outreach surveys to guide their 10- to 15-minute outreach visits. Five hundred seventy-four outreach contacts with blacks were made between January and June 2001 (329 in County 1, 176 in County 2, and 69 in County 3) with 347 women and 227 men. Eighty-four percent of the persons contacted accepted literature, 47.5% accepted male condoms, and 31.9% accepted female condoms. More women (99.4%) were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than men (92.5%), and they reported taking precautions against infection more often than men (98% vs. 90.3%). Many blacks in rural north Florida were receptive to an HIV prevention outreach program that provided information, literature, and condoms on the street and in homes. These findings suggest that HIV prevention outreach should be expanded to reach more rural blacks, who are increasingly at risk for HIV infection.     

Condoms as primary prevention in sexually active women.

The origin of the word condom is the subject of some debate, but the use of a linen sheath as a preventive measure for venereal disease was noted in the writings of Fallopius in 1564. In recent years condom sales have increased, and in a sample of San Francisco male homosexuals consistent condom use was reported to have increased from 26% to 79% between 1984 and 1987. Condom sales in drugstores increased by over 20% from 1986 to 1987, with women being responsible for an estimated 40-50% of US purchases. Studies suggest a failure rate of 2-15/100 couples using condoms. Failure rates for 1st-year users average about 12%, but consistent and correct condom use theoretically results in approximately a 2% failure rate. Mean breakage rates ranging from 0% to 13% have been reported. Both epidemiological and laboratory studies have demonstrated that latex condoms are effective mechanical barriers to important viral transmissions including HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV), as well as bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea. Condoms are safe to use, particularly in view of the fact that AIDS is now 1 of the 5 leading causes of death for women ages 15-44. An important contraindication, however, is the presence of latex allergy, potentially leading to contact urticaria or manifestations of anaphylaxis. The female condom shows promise for placing personal protection increasingly under the control of women. Condom promotion in the US with education at both public and individual levels could emulate developed and developing countries that have promoted condom use with marketing and mass-media techniques, as well conspicuous and aggressive distribution methods. Nursing is involved in program efforts aimed at enhancing condom use and nurses can be effective in encouraging clients to use condoms to protect themselves.     

Why Are Young College Women Not Using Condoms? Their Perceived Risk,Drug Use,and Developmental Vulnerability May Provide Important Clues to Sexual Risk

BACKGROUND: Young multiethnic college women (YMCW) are at risk for STDs and HIV secondary to high-risk sexual behaviors that are related to developmental issues such as invincibility, low perceived risk, and substance use. METHOD: One hundred YMCW on a southern California university campus completed surveys that examined variables that impacted their sexual risk. RESULTS: The study yielded many significantly correlated variables. Women with low perceived risk, lower use of drugs and alcohol, and who had parental involvement had lower sexual behavior risk. Women that were sexually assertive, had intentions to use condoms, and did not use substances used condoms more often. Older students in advanced grades who had steady partners used substances less and had decreased sexual risk, however, they experienced partner resistance to condoms, which canceled out any reduced risk. In a multiple regression analysis, condom use intention and substance use predicted condom use, perceived risk and substance use predicted sexual behavior risk. White women had significantly higher substance use, perceived sexual risk, and sexual behavior risk than did Latinas and African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their assertiveness and intentions, many participants had multiple sexual partners, and 64% of the YMCW were inconsistent condom users. Despite knowing the elevated risks, 52% used drugs and alcohol during sex. Negative attitudes (61%) about condoms were also demonstrated as a key factor in the lack of condom use.     

Predictors of Condom Use Among Adolescent Thai Vocational Students

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of premarital sexual behavior and condom use, and to identify predictors of condom use using the expanded health belief model (EHBM) among vocational students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used with a cluster-based sample of 425 students aged 18 to 22 years from eight randomly selected private vocational schools in Bangkok. Anonymous self-report questionnaires were used to collect the data. Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify predictors of condom use.
Results: Overall, 49.9% of participants were sexually active, 64.8% of men and 32% of women. Of the sexually active participants, only 6.3% reported using condoms every time when having sex in the beginning of the relationship, and 10.2% during the last few times. Twenty-four percent of sexually active participants had unplanned pregnancies, and 7% had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The predictive model of condom use consisted of perceived benefits from using condoms; interactions between intention to use condoms and gender: knowledge of STDs, HIV, AIDS, pregnancy and peer norms; and alcohol use and age. Adjusting for modifying factors, the predictor set explained 27% of the variance in condom use.
Conclusions: Most of this sample of sexually active Thai vocational students practiced unsafe sex, and many had unplanned pregnancies and STDs. The EHBM provided a modest predictive model of condom use.