Predictors of condom use among college students: Interpersonal, attitudinal and psychosocial characteristics

Carolyn AlRoy, Pace University

Abstract

Background. The AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) integrates individual and interpersonal aspects of sexual behavior into a comprehensive prevention model. This study proposed that attitudes toward condoms would increase the efficacy of ARRM to predict condom use among college students. It also explored the extent to which predictors of condom use are consistent for both males and females. The two research questions are: (1) Does the AIDS Risk Reduction Model predict condom use among college students? and (2) To what degree does attitudes toward condoms (a variable supported by research) contribute to this model? An additional research question focused on gender differences in resolving disputes over condom use. It was hypothesized that in cases of dispute over condom use, females will be more likely iikely to have sex without a condom than will males in a similar situation. Two exploratory analyses were also conducted to determine (a) whether powerlessness, demoralization, and meaninglessness are significantly related to condom use following dispute over condom use; and (b) the relationship between powerlessness, demoralization, and meaninglessness with health protective sexual communication and self-efficacy for condom use. Results. Overall, 75% (n = 286) of the students were sexually active and significantly more men than women reported condom use at last sexual intercourse. Only one out of the four ARRM variables, commitment to condom use, was significantly correlated with condom use. Gender differences were also found: (1) men were significantly more likely than women to report the use of condoms at last sexual intercourse (64% for men and 45% for women, $\chi\sp2=8.4,$ df = 1, p =.003); (2) women were significantly more likely than men to report withdrawal as contraception at last intercourse (43% for women and 29% for men $\chi\sp2=5.2,$ df = 1, p =.023); (3) females were more likely to report positive attitudes, and health protective sexual communication, while (4) women were significantly more likely to report the belief that they could do something if their sexual partner did not want to use condoms (96% women and 86% men, $\chi\sp2=21.8,$ df = 1, p =.000). Given disputes over condom use females (50%, n = 20) were not more likely to have unprotected sex than males (70%, n = 14). No significant relationships were found between each of the three psychoattitudinal variables, powerlessness, demoralization and meaninglessness with condom use. Contrary to expectations, demoralization was inversely associated with health protective sexual communication. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Subject Area

Social psychology|Behaviorial sciences|Public health

Recommended Citation

AlRoy, Carolyn, "Predictors of condom use among college students: Interpersonal, attitudinal and psychosocial characteristics" (1998). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI9840689.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI9840689

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