Strength of Implementation Intentions to Use Condoms Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

AIDS Behav. 2018 Nov;22(11):3491-3499. doi: 10.1007/s10461-018-2079-4.

Abstract

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM), condoms remain key to HIV prevention. Implementation intentions-which link a behavioral action plan with a situation or cue-may predict condom use. The Strength of Implementation Intentions Scale (SIIS), which assesses condom use implementation intentions, has not been evaluated among MSM. A structural model tested whether the SIIS mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts among 266 sexually-active MSM (56% White, 26% Black, 15% Latino, Mage = 32.54). After controlling for PrEP use, HIV-status, and demographics (χ2(107) = 140.06, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.03), the SIIS fully mediated the relationship between condom use intentions and condomless sex acts. The SIIS can serve as a fidelity check for interventions, a mediator in theoretical models, and future studies should incorporate implementation intentions into HIV prevention interventions for MSM.

Keywords: Condom use; HIV; Implementation intentions; MSM; PrEP.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Coitus
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraception Behavior / psychology*
  • Contraception Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
  • Safe Sex
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities
  • Young Adult