Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108458

Ann Zukoski, DrPH MPH¹, S. Marie Harvey, DrPH², and Meredith Roberts Branch, MPH, CHES². (1) Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 254 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, 541-737-3832, ann.zukoski@oregonstate.edu, (2) Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403

Empirical studies have found that individuals who report discussing condom use with a sexual partner are more likely to engage in safer sexual behaviors. Findings also suggest that women are more likely to play an active role in this communication process, while men take on a more passive role. Although we know that couple communication is an important predictor of condom use, much less is known about the context and content of these communications. More information is needed regarding the dynamics surrounding communication about condom use including who initiates the conversation, when and in what context, as well as verbal and non-verbal communication strategies. Identifying cultural barriers to safer-sex communication is also important for the design of interventions for at risk populations. The overall objective of this study was to explore communication strategies in two distinct community-based samples of heterosexual couples at increased risk for HIV. Sixteen Latino and 12 African American couples aged 18-25 years participated in a 60-minute in-person interview that included both open and closed ended questions. Findings from content analyses that explored three areas of couple communication about condom use will be presented: context of initial conversations; communication strategies; and barriers and facilitators to discussion. Preliminary findings indicate that men and women differ in types of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies used, perceived barriers to communication and perceived consequences of initiating conversations on this topic. Additional findings and implications for interventions designed to prevent HIV will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify verbal and non-verbal communication strategies used by men and women to discuss condom use.
• Compare men and women’s perceived barriers and facilitators to communication about condom use.
• Discuss implications of study findings for the design of future interventions.

Keywords: Communication, Condom Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.