HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH Theory & Practice

cognition and intention in the structure of attitudes toward condom use Rein De Wit, An Victoir and Omer Van den Bergh Research suggests that attitudes toward con-doms are related to condom use. This study seeks to elucidate relationships between affec-tive, cognitive and behavioural components in the structure of attitudes toward condoms. A total of 270 students completed the attitude questionnaire. Affect (emotional responses activated by condoms), cognition (thoughts, beliefs and judgments about condoms), global attitude, previous sexual experience, and prior and intended condom use were measured. Results indicated that subjects reported a nega-tive affect associated with condom use, while overall cognitions were far more favourable. Findings suggest a strong relationship between affect, global attitude toward condoms and intended condom use, and therefore urge us to focus on ways of altering affec