Prediction of condom use for protection against HIV and STDs: Testing the predictive utility of the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior for oral sex behaviors.

摘要

The theory of reasoned action (Ajzen, 1988; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) and the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) have been used to predict intentions to engage in a behavior and the behavior itself for a variety of behaviors. The present study investigated the predictive utility of these theories for condom use for fellatio. Twelve attitude items were included as well as four subjective norm groups. Perceived behavioral control was assessed by a multi-items scale and a single-item measure. Additionally, self-efficacy was assessed with both multi-item and single-item measures. Participants' belief about whether oral sex is "real sex" was assessed to test the hypothesis that perception of oral sex as "real sex" would be related to condom use for fellatio.; Participants were 106 female and 125 male introductory psychology students from a large Midwest university with reported fellatio experience. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted. Results suggested support for the attitude and subjective norm components of the theory of reasoned action. The negative sensory attitudes were related to the lack of intention to use condoms for fellatio and the normative groups of close friends and parents and their views on condom use for fellatio emerging as predictors for stated intentions to use condoms for fellatio. Additionally, the concepts of self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control were not differentially related to intention when assessed in correlation analyses, nor did the concepts appear to measure different constructs. Finally, the belief that oral sex is "real sex" was significantly related to past condom use for fellatio, with those participants who believed oral sex is "real sex" having been more likely to have reported condom use for fellatio in the past. Implications are discussed regarding HIV/STD prevention programs and the promotion of condom use for fellatio.