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A Theory-Based Approach to Understanding Condom Errors and Problems Reported by Men Attending an STI Clinic

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Abstract

We employed the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model to guide an investigation of correlates for correct condom use among 278 adult (18–35 years old) male clients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. An anonymous questionnaire aided by a CD-recording of the questions was administered. Linear Structural Relations Program was used to conduct path analyses of the hypothesized IMB model. Parameter estimates showed that while information did not directly affect behavioral skills, it did have a direct (negative) effect on condom use errors. Motivation had a significant direct (positive) effect on behavioral skills and a significant indirect (positive) effect on condom use errors through behavioral skills. Behavioral skills had a direct (negative) effect on condom use errors. Among men attending a public STI clinic, these findings suggest brief, clinic-based, safer sex programs for men who have sex with women should incorporate activities to convey correct condom use information, instill motivation to use condoms correctly, and directly enhance men’s behavioral skills for correct use of condoms.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, a joint project of Indiana University, University of Colorado, and the University of Kentucky. Support was also received from the Office of the Associate Dean for Research of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, at Indiana University. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the research staff. The corresponding author had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Avenue, Suite 111C, Lexington, KY, 40506-0003, USA

    Richard A. Crosby & Sara Head

  2. Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Richard A. Crosby, William L. Yarber, Stephanie A. Sanders, Cynthia A. Graham & Janet N. Arno

  3. The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Richard A. Crosby, William L. Yarber, Stephanie A. Sanders & Cynthia A. Graham

  4. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Laura F. Salazar

  5. Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    William L. Yarber

  6. Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    William L. Yarber & Stephanie A. Sanders

  7. Department of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Janet N. Arno

Authors
  1. Richard A. Crosby
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  2. Laura F. Salazar
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  3. William L. Yarber
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  4. Stephanie A. Sanders
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  5. Cynthia A. Graham
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  6. Sara Head
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  7. Janet N. Arno
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Correspondence to Richard A. Crosby.

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Crosby, R.A., Salazar, L.F., Yarber, W.L. et al. A Theory-Based Approach to Understanding Condom Errors and Problems Reported by Men Attending an STI Clinic. AIDS Behav 12, 412–418 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9264-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9264-1

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