Gender Differences in AIDS-Relevant Condom Attitudes and Condom Use.

Many heterosexuals have not altered their sexual practices in response to the threat of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Knowledge of risk alone appears to have little effect on altering sexual behavior; more complex psychological factors seem to be involved. Condom use to prevent the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a unique health behavior because it typically involves either explicit or implicit agreement between both partners. Therefore, within heterosexual relationships, knowledge of gender differences in attitudes, intentions, and behavioral tendencies should enhance understanding of the interpersonal processes involved in condom use. Two studies, conducted approximately one year apart, examined gender differences with respect to AIDS-relevant condom attitudes and condom use behaviors. Subjects (N=248, N=528) were undergraduates, primarily heterosexual. Females generally had more favorable attitudes with the exception of greater inhibition about buying and possessing condoms. Men engaged in preliminary condom use behaviors (carrying and keeping condoms at home) substantially more often. Gender was unrelated to past and intended condom use. Results suggested that although females may indirectly influence condom use decisions, providing condoms is generally the expected role of males, infusing them with greater control over the interpersonal process. Interventions aimed at decreasing females' inhibitions about possessing condoms, and/or increasing their influence in the sexual situation will increase the frequency that condoms are used during sexual intercourse. (LLL)