Toward an understanding of condom use behaviours: a theoretical and methodological overview of Project SAFER

ISSN： 1465-3966

Source： Psychology, Health and Medicine, Vol.6, Iss.2, 2001-05, pp. : 139-150

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Abstract

This paper describes the theoretical and methodological approach underlying Project SAFER, a longitudinal study to predict and understand condom use behaviours among populations at high risk for HIV (i.e. men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs), commercial sex workers (CSWs) and multi-partnered heterosexuals (MPHs)). Based on an integrative behavioural prediction model incorporating constructs from several psychosocial theories and on extensive formative research, a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire assessed beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, intentions and behaviour with respect to consistent condom use for vaginal, anal and oral sex with regular and occasional partners and clients. At baseline (Time 1), 993 subjects (58.7% male, 41.3% female) with diverse ethnic and risk backgrounds were interviewed. Three months later (Time 2), 686 subjects (57.6% male, 42.4% female) returned for follow-up interviews. Based on responses to the Time 1 questionnaire, seven non-overlapping populations at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV or other STDs were identified.