The development of a new condom use expectancy scale for at-risk adults

Abstract

Rationale: Engaging in risky sexual behavior increases transmission of HIV.

Objective: The present study used previously elicited salient outcomes of condom use to examine the factor structure and test the predictive utility of a condom use expectancy scale.

Methods: Participants were drug offenders from court ordered drug diversion programs in Southern California. The condom use expectancy scale consisted of three factors: positive condom outcome items, negative condom outcome items, and safe sex items.

Results: The factor analysis confirmed the three-factor structure. Positive condom use expectancies were a significant predictor of both condom use and intentions to use condoms, and negative condom use expectancies predicted non-use of condoms.

Conclusion: Understanding conditions of condom use can aid public health researchers and practitioners to better identify those in need of HIV prevention and how to target those needs.

Keywords: Condom use; Drug use; Expectancies; HIV.