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Perceived Condom Use Self-Efficacy Among At-Risk Women

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Abstract

The objectives of this study are to assess the confidence in their ability to use condoms among at-risk women and identify predictors for the women's condom use self-efficacy. Structured interviews were conducted with 250 adult women in Atlanta, Georgia, between August 1997 and August 2000. Overall, the women reported feeling moderately to moderately–strongly confident in their ability to use condoms consistently. Multivariate analysis showed women with higher condom use self-efficacy were significantly younger, experienced childhood neglect, had higher self-esteem, communicated better with their sex partner, and had fewer drug problems. Findings suggest the importance of addressing condom use self-efficacy in HIV risk reduction programs with a specific focus on women and the need to be attuned to tailored needs for specific subgroups such as older women or women who encountered childhood neglect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

    Claire E. Sterk

  2. Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia

    Hugh Klein

  3. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, 30322

    Kirk W. Elifson

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  1. Claire E. Sterk
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Correspondence to Claire E. Sterk.

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Sterk, C.E., Klein, H. & Elifson, K.W. Perceived Condom Use Self-Efficacy Among At-Risk Women. AIDS Behav 7, 175–182 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023950425731

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