Black males who always use condoms: their attitudes, knowledge about AIDS, and sexual behavior
Johnson, E.H.; Hinkle, Y.; Gilbert, D.; Gant, L.M.
Journal of the National Medical Association 84(4): 341-352
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 1507249 Document Number: 323047
106 black males completed questionnaires on attitudes and knowledge related to condom use and AIDS. Most were enrolled within their 1st 3 years of college in the southern US, and were of average age 23.5 years. 88% were single and never married. 27 reported always using condoms during sex, 31 did not use them and had low intentions of so doing, and 48 reported high intentions to use condoms. Knowledge about AIDS was, however, extremely high across the study sample. Those with low intention to use condoms were significantly more negative about condom use, and reacted more vehemently when partners inquired about sexual history, when a partner refused sex without condom, or when they perceived condoms as interfering with foreplay and sexual pleasure. A significantly larger percentage of low intenders were treated for gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts than steady condom users and high intenders. While a comparatively larger percentage of low intenders reported anal sex and sex with prostitutes, the group overall felt at lower risk for AIDS than men from the other 2 groups. Although low intenders used marijuana comparatively more often, drug use did not differentiate the 3 groups. Since some of these men continue to engage in risky sexual behavior despite their awareness of HIV transmission modes and AIDS, alternative interventions are needed to target and change some of their attitudes and behaviors.