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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kate L. Burns, PhD, Meredith R. Branch, MPH, and S. Marie Harvey, MPH, DrPH. Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 254 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, 541-737-3110, kate.burns@oregonstate.edu

Despite the fact that sexual transmission of HIV/STIs involves two people, prevention research among heterosexuals has largely focused on the female partner. Recent studies indicate, however, that men actively participate in decision-making about condom use and that men's attitudes about condoms are important predictors of condom use behaviors. Previous research and theoretical frameworks of behavior change also provide strong evidence of the link between social norms and condom use behavior. These variables include perceptions of what others think one should do, perceptions of what others are doing, as well as perceived social pressure. Providing a richer contextual backdrop for understanding the influence of social norms about condom use on condom use behaviors of heterosexual men is important for the design of effective interventions. This study explored perceived social norms regarding condom use among a diverse sample of men at increased risk of HIV/STIs. Participants (n =112) were recruited from clinics and community locations in four large cities. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews were sorted according to whether men were classified as condom users or non-users and then coded and grouped thematically using NUD*IST software. These data were analyzed to describe men's perceived: community support for condom use, peer condom use norms, and sexual partners' condom use norms. Preliminary analysis suggests that men's perceived community support and partner norms are associated with their condom use classification; perceived peer norms appeared to be less influential. Additional findings and implications for the sexual health of men and women will be presented.

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