Black males who always use condoms: their attitudes, knowledge about AIDS, and sexual behavior

Abstract

One hundred six black males completed a questionnaire concerning attitudes and knowledge about the use of condoms and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Of the 106 males in the study, 27 (26%) reported that they "always" used condoms, 31 (29%) did not use condoms and had low intentions of using them, and 48 (45%) reported high intentions to use condoms. Results indicated that knowledge about AIDS was exceptionally high for black males in all three groups. Black males with low intentions to use condoms reported significantly more negative attitudes about the use of condoms (eg, using condoms is disgusting) and reacted with more intense anger when their partners asked about previous sexual contacts, when a partner refused sex without a condom, or when they perceived condoms as interfering with foreplay and sexual pleasure. A significantly larger percentage of low intenders were treated for gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts than males in the other groups. Drug use did not differentiate the three groups, although marijuana was used more often by males in the low-intender group. Finally, a larger percentage of black males in the low-intender group reported experiences with anal intercourse and sex with a prostitute, but considered themselves at lower risk for AIDS than did their high-intender or steady-user counterparts.

PIP: 106 black males completed questionnaires on attitudes and knowledge related to condom use and AIDS. Most were enrolled within their 1st 3 years of college in the southern US, and were of average age 23.5 years. 88% were single and never married. 27 reported always using condoms during sex, 31 did not use them and had low intentions of so doing, and 48 reported high intentions to use condoms. Knowledge about AIDS was, however, extremely high across the study sample. Those with low intention to use condoms were significantly more negative about condom use, and reacted more vehemently when partners inquired about sexual history, when a partner refused sex without condom, or when they perceived condoms as interfering with foreplay and sexual pleasure. A significantly larger percentage of low intenders were treated for gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts than steady condom users and high intenders. While a comparatively larger percentage of low intenders reported anal sex and sex with prostitutes, the group overall felt at lower risk for AIDS than men from the other 2 groups. Although low intenders used marijuana comparatively more often, drug use did not differentiate the 3 groups. Since some of these men continue to engage in risky sexual behavior despite their awareness of HIV transmission modes and AIDS, alternative interventions are needed to target and change some of their attitudes and behaviors.