Determinants of Condom Use Stage of Change Among Heterosexually-Identified Methamphetamine Users

There is a paucity of research on the association between methamphetamine use (meth) and sexual risk behavior among heterosexual meth users. This study used a multiple theories approach to identify factors associated with stage of change for condom use in a sample of 181 HIV-negative, heterosexually identified meth users. Background characteristics, drug use variables, and theoretical mechanism of change variables were examined in relation to Prochaskas contemplative and preparation stages of change. Sexual risk behavior was highest among those in the contemplation stage of change. When compared with those in the preparation stage of change, contemplators were more likely to be never married, more likely to have an STD, consumed larger amounts of meth and other illicit drugs, had lower scores on self-efficacy and outcome expectancies for condom use and negotiation of safer sex practices, and had less positive social norms in relation to AIDS preventive behaviors. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that the preparation stage of change was associated with increased self-efficacy for condom use, stronger social norms regarding condom use, and reduced occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases. The findings are discussed in relation to the development of sexual risk reduction interventions for heterosexual meth users.