Condom influence strategies in a community sample of ethnically diverse men and women

Few studies have examined comprehensively the ways in which men and women at risk for HIV infection influence their partners to use condoms. This study examines the condom influence strategies (CISs) of an ethnically diverse community sample of 113 (55% male) heterosexually active men and women. Results indicate that individuals at risk for HIV endorse a variety of CISs (withholding sex, direct request, seduction, relationship conceptualizing, risk information, deception, and pregnancy prevention) when attempting to procure condom use with a sexual partner. These CISs were related significantly and meaningfully to a set of safer sexual variables including 3 measures of condom use. Significant gender differences in CISs were not found. Results suggest that safer sexual behavior theories should continue to focus on interpersonal aspects of condom use and underscore the importance of an interpersonal approach to safer sexual intervention