Theoretical determinants of condom use intentions for vaginal sex with a regular partner among male and female injecting drug users

Abstract

The factors influencing 90 male and 42 female injecting drug users' (N = 132) intentions to always use a condom while having vaginal sex with a regular partner were analyzed. For male IDUs, the partner norm (beta = 0.40), the mean of the weighted control beliefs (beta = 0.26), attitude (beta = 0.22) and perceived behavioural control (beta = 0.15) were important predictors of intention (R = 0.81). In contrast, for female IDUs, only the partner norm emerged as an independent predictor of intention (R = 0.72). Thus interventions directed at female IDUs will be most effective if they change the women's beliefs that 'my regular partner thinks we should always use condoms for vaginal sex'. For male IDUs, two behavioural beliefs and two control beliefs were identified as critical targets for an intervention: the behavioural beliefs that consistent condom use would make me feel more relaxed and cleaner, and the control beliefs concerning the regular partner's openness to condom use and the likelihood that she would suggest using them.