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

Engaging in risky sexual behavior increases transmission of HIV.

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.

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.

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.

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.