Protective Value of Discussing Condom Use With Sex Partners: A Study of Young Black Males Attending STI Clinics in the Southern United States

objective: To determine the STI-protective effects of discussing condom use with sex partners, among U.S. young Black males (YBM) reporting recent condom use.

methods: A consecutive sample of 702 YBM, ages 15-23 years, was recruited from three STI clinics, located in the Southern U.S. YBM completed an audio-computer assisted self-interview in a private area, at baseline and again 6-months later. Assessed outcomes included various measures of safer sex behaviors. Twelve months after enrollment a chart review was conducted to determine the incident number of STIs.

results: The majority (61.1%) indicated they had recently discussed condom use with one or more partners before having sex. Of twelve assessed outcomes seven were significantly associated with this measure. Only the outcomes assessed on a cross-sectional basis achieved significance. In each case a protective effect was observed meaning that risk behaviors were more common among those indicating they had not had these discussions. With one exception, the bivariate findings remained unchanged after controlling for age and having multiple sex partners prior to study enrollment. The exception pertained to the 12-month incidence of STIs; this outcome only achieved marginal significance (P = .05) in the controlled model.

conclusion: When assessed within two months apart, the reports of YBM about discussing condom use with sex partners are related to safer sex practices. These same reports were marginally predictive of lower STI incidence in the ensuing 12 months, suggesting that this behavior may be an ideal intervention target for programs designed to protect YBM against STI acquisition.