Condom use with main partners by sterilized and non-sterilized women

This study examined condom use with main partners by surgically sterilized and non-sterilized women at risk for HIV infection. Data were obtained from 379 African American women residing in low-income urban communities. Sterilized women were one-fifth as likely as non-sterilized women to use condoms. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that for both groups of women, higher perceived benefits of condom use for disease prevention were associated with condom use. In addition, younger age, self-efficacy for condom use, peer support for condom use, and whether condoms were ever used for pregnancy prevention were associated with condom use among non-sterilized women. Results of this study indicate the role of fertility status in condom use and the value of developing targeted prevention programs that reach women at high risk for HIV infection. Risk reduction programs need to emphasize the role of condoms in disease prevention and address attitudes towards condom use.