The impact of new antiretroviral treatments on college students' intention to use a condom with a new sexual partner.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in predisposing factors in sexual preventive behaviors that could result from the availability of an efficient new antiretroviral therapy. A total of 136 young adults were randomly assigned a vignette to read describing AIDS as a lethal or chronic disease. After reading the vignette, the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing the psychosocial determinants of intention to use a condom with a new sexual partner. The variables were measured according to Ajzen's (1985, 1988, 1991) theory of planned behavior and Triandis's (1977) theory of interpersonal behavior. The experimental manipulation was more successful when the disease was described as lethal (66 of the 68 subjects) rather than chronic (30 of the 68 subjects). For the 96 participants who correctly identified the expected outcome of the disease presented in the vignette, a significant difference in intention was found between the two experimental situations (p < .05). Regression of intention to use condoms on the psychosocial variables yielded an adjusted R2 of .62. Perceived behavioral control, social norms, personal normative belief and anticipated affective reaction were the significant variables explaining this intention. The results suggest that intention to use condoms with a new sexual partner is likely to be modified by the expected outcome of the disease, that is, whether lethal or chronic. Thus, it is suggested that interventions aimed at young adults take into account the impacts the new antiretroviral treatments are likely to have on preventive behaviors.     

The best way to tell you to use a condom: the interplay between message format and individuals' level of need for cognition

The present study addressed how individuals in high versus low need for cognition react to a persuasive message (concerning safer sexual conduct) presented either in a written format or in a comic-strip format. A control group that did not receive any persuasive message was also included. With reference to the Theory of Reasoned Action, we analyzed participants' instrumental attitude and instrumental norm toward the use of condoms. Results indicated that, compared to participants in the control group, providing participants with the persuasive message bolstered their instrumental attitude and norm. More importantly, participants high in need for cognition displayed higher levels of both instrumental attitude and norm when the message was in a written, as compared to a comic-strip, format. In contrast, participants low in need for cognition reported a stronger level of both instrumental attitude and norm in reaction to a comic-strip than a written message. Results are discussed with respect to their theoretical and practical implications.     

Determinants of consistent condom use vary by partner type among young men in Kisumu, Kenya: a multi-level data analysis

To evaluate whether determinants of consistent condom use vary by partner type among young sexually active Kenyan men, we conducted a cross-sectional assessment of lifetime sexual histories from a sub-sample of men enrolled in a clinical trial of male circumcision. 7913 partnerships of 1370 men were analyzed. 262 men (19%) reported never, 1018 (74%) sometimes and 92 (7%) always using a condom with their partners. Condoms were always used in 2672 (34%) of the total relationships—212 (70%) of the relationships with sex workers, 1643 (40%) of the casual and 817 (23%) of the regular/marital relationships. Factors influencing condom use varied significantly by partner type, suggesting that HIV prevention messages promoting condom use with higher-risk partners have achieved a moderate level of acceptance. However, in populations of young, single men in generalized epidemic settings, interventions should promote consistent condom use in all sexual encounters, independently of partner type and characteristics.     

Responses of male inmates to primary partner requests for condom use: effects of message content and domestic violence history.

Many women at high risk for HIV infection face resistance and, in some cases, violence as a response to their requests for condom use. The current study investigated how domestically violent and nonviolent men reacted to various condom negotiation approaches. Ten different scenarios, in which the partner provides a justification for a condom request or the context suggests one, were presented to 84 male inmates selected at random from a county jail. As predicted, condom scenarios factored into groupings with content suggestive of high and low relationship threat. Of the justifications presented, yeast infections generated more favorable responses than standard HIV prevention messages. The riskiest condom negotiation scenario was one that suggested infidelity on the part of the woman. Level of male violence severity in the relationship predicted more coercive responses to suggestions of a woman's infidelity. The results suggest that creative strategies that do not call into question the fidelity or commitment of either partner may be more effective in getting men to use condoms and/or to not react violently.     

The Smart Chart: a guide to help you cut calories, fat, sugar, and sodium

The Smart Chart has been an effective nutrition education tool with a wide variety of applications in establishing and achieving nutritional goals. It has been especially useful for the diabetic individual who is concerned about fats as well as sugars.     

Asking about condom use: a key to individualized care when screening for chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has been a target for both selective and national screening programmes, and Sweden has an opportunistic approach. A national plan of action states that risk groups should be identified and offered risk reduction counselling. Patients attending a drop-in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic reception at the University Hospital, Ume?, Sweden, were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and sexual risk behaviour; all had a CT test taken. A total of 1305 patients were included, 58% men, mean age 27.8 years. CT prevalence was 11%; 51% of those with CT were ≥ 25 years old. Only 5% used a condom during the entire sexual intercourse with their last new/temporary partner. Sexually active inconsistent condom users comprised 62% of the study population and contributed to 81% of the chlamydia infections. Asking whether a condom was used could quickly triage patients into groups with a 'higher risk' (none or inconsistent use of condoms and at least one new/temporary partners), and 'lower risk' (with more consistent condom use, although not always accurate) allowing for individualized care and counselling when screening for chlamydia. Evaluating whether a condom was used throughout the sexual intercourse did not add any useful information.