Go Back Research Article March, 1997

Young women's condom use: The influence of acceptance of sexuality, control over the sexual encounter, and perceived susceptibility to common STDs

Author Stephen G. West

Abstract

A comprehensive model of the determinants of condom use among young women was developed, tested, and replicated, with longitudinal follow-up to assess predictive utility of the model for condom use over time. Participants in Study 1 and Study 2 were 198 female undergraduates (mean age, 18.6 years) and 238 female undergraduates (mean age, 19.1 years), respectively. Acceptance of sexuality and control over the sexual encounter were related to a multidimensional measure of condom use self-efficacy, which predicted condom use intentions. Perceived susceptibility to STDs was both directly related to intentions and indirectly related through perceived benefits and attitudes about condom use. Intentions predicted subsequent reports of condom use. The model suggests foci for condom use interventions for young women.

Keywords

Condom Use Young Women Acceptance of Sexuality Sexual Encounter Control Perceived Susceptibility Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Condom Use Self-Efficacy Condom Use Intentions Attitudes About Condom Use Predictive Model Sexual Health Condom Use Interventions Risk Perception Sexual Behavior Longitudinal Study Safe sex Sexual autonomy Contraception Sexual debut Sexual empowerment Gender and sexuality Condom stigma HIV prevention HIV/AIDS Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Disease management Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) Sexual intercourse Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) STD stigma Internal condom Female condom
Details
Volume 16
Issue 5
Pages 468–479
DOI 10.1037/0278-6133.16.5.468
ISSN 0278-6133
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