Main partner's resistance to condoms and HIV protection among disadvantaged, minority women
Perrino, T.; Fernandez, M.I.; Bowen, G.S.; Arheart, K.
Women and Health 42(3): 37-56
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-0242 PMID: 16901887 DOI: 10.1300/j013v42n03_03Document Number: 262335
From a study of high-risk minority women, we examined data for a subgroup of 201 women who participated in a "male condom- focused" HIV prevention intervention, and who reported having attempted to convince their main partner to use condoms in the 3 months following intervention. Factors related to consistent condom use with a main partner post-intervention were not living with the partner, fewer sexual encounters, and no recent sexual encounter in which either partner was under the influence of drugs. At 3 months following intervention, factors related to women's future intentions to use condoms consistently with a main partner were no recent sex while either partner was under the influence of drugs, and the woman's desire to use condoms consistently with the partner. Main partner's resistance to condoms was unrelated to consistent condom use or future intentions to use condoms consistently. Findings identify barriers to consistent condom use within primary relationships, a critical yet challenging focal point for HIV prevention interventions.