Felicia Fuller, DrPH, Epidemiology Program, Chicago Department of Public Health, 333 South State Street, Suite #320, Chicago, IL 60604, 312 745 0377, fuller_felicia@cdph.org, Crystal Fuller, PhD, Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, and Donna L. Richter, EdD, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, Columbia, SC 29208.

The purpose of this research is to examine knowledge of effectiveness of contraceptive methods for STI/HIV prevention among U.S. women. The National Survey of Women (NSW) was undertaken between 1991-1992 utilizing a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire to examine health behaviors, knowledge and attitudes among adult women. Logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness against STI/HIV infection. Of the 1,669 women aged 18-29, about half were white (47%), African American (43%), and single (54%). Majority of the women had a high school diploma (85%) with over half reporting an income <$15,000 (58%). After adjustment, condom use at last intercourse was significantly associated with lower education (AOR=2.56) and multiple sex partners (AOR=4.64). Three barrier contraceptive methods (condom, diaphragm and foam) were examined as to their effectiveness against STI/HIV: (1) perception of condoms as ineffective was associated with feeling that condom use for HIV protection “was more trouble than it was worth” (AOR=4.31); (2) perception of the diaphragm as effective was associated with lower income (AOR=2.39); and (3) perception of foam as effective was associated with lower income (AOR=1.59) and single status (AOR=1.72). This research indicates that there are subpopulations of U.S. women that need HIV/STI education that focuses on condom effectiveness, and the relative nonprotective effectiveness of foam and diaphragm contraceptive methods in protecting against STI/HIV infection. Targeting lower income women and women with low educational attainment with viable prevention strategies is still warranted.

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