Title: Do main partner conflict, power dynamics, and control over use of male condoms predict subsequent use of the female condom?

POPLINE Document Number: 187413

Author(s):

Cabral RJ
Posner SF
Macaluso M
Artz LM
Johnson C

Source citation:

Women and Health, 2003;38(1):37-52.

Abstract:

This study assessed hypotheses that measures of power and control over male condom (MC) use would predict use of the female condom (FC) among women with main partners from two public STD clinics (n = 616). The women (mean age 24 years, 87% African American) were enrolled in an intervention study to promote barrier contraceptive use and were interviewed at baseline and at 6 monthly follow-up visits. Seven baseline predictor variables were assessed: her having requested MC use, his having objected, her having wanted a MC used but not asking, percentage of MC use, perceived control over MC use, anticipated consequences of refusing unprotected sex, and physical violence. In the first Poisson regression analysis, none of the hypothesized predictors was significantly associated with FC use during follow up. In the second regression analysis, which assessed the influence of the hypothesized set of predictors on follow-up FC use in situations when MCs were not used, we found two effects. Either no or inconsistent MC use before study entry was associated with less subsequent FC use; women who reported, at study entry, having more control over MC use were more likely to use FCs during follow up. We found no evidence of adoption of the FC by women in relationships marked by history of conflict over the MC, circumstances in which alternatives are most needed. On the contrary, we found that women with a history of control and consistent use of MCs were the most likely users of FCs when MCs were not used. (author's)

Keywords:

United States
Research Report
Prospective Studies
Women
Men
Power
Female Condom
Gender Issues
Inequalities
HIV Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention
Safer Sex
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Studies
Research Methodology
Demographic Factors
Population
Political Factors
Vaginal Barrier Methods
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Sex Behavior
Behavior