Frequency and predictors of condom use and reasons for not using condoms among low-income women

This investigation assessed the frequency and predictors of condom use for HIV prevention among low-income women, and also explored the reasons for not always using condoms for HIV prevention and predictors of these reasons. Data were collected at 27 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program clinics in 21 Missouri counties. To be included in the study, women had to indicate a primary relationship with a male partner. Data were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. The sample (N = 2,010) was predominately White and ural, with median age being 25 years. Findings revealed that women sumeyed in the study were unlikely to use condoms, particularly those who were living in rural communities, who were pregnant, and who were either married or cohabiting with a primary male partner. The major reason for not using condoms was a belief that their male partner was not HIV infected, either because she believed he had been tested or because she simply believed that he was HIV negative. Other reasons for not using condoms included diminished sexual pleasure from condom use for both partners, and believing that condom use after having unprotected sex is not effective. Reasons for not using condoms were predicted by several variables: length and type of relationship, urban versus rural location, beliefs about condom use, perceived risk of HIV infection, reliance on male partner income, frequency of sex, and age.