Evaluation of the validity of the condom use self-efficacy scale (CUSES) in young men using two behavioral simulations.
Assessment of behavioral skills remains critical to the evaluation of HIV prevention interventions; however, investigators often rely upon participant reports of self-efficacy to estimate such skills. We evaluated the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs for condom use and behavioral performance. Forty-three men completed the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUSES) and participated in 2 behavioral assessments. Regression analyses indicated that the CUSES subscales relevant to negotiation of condom use did not account for a significant amount of variability in interpersonal skills; similarly, the CUSES subscale relevant to technical condom use skill did not account for variability in the condom application scores. We caution investigators against the assumption that higher self-efficacy reflects behavioral competence for HIV-risk reduction.
Forsyth
A D
AD
Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, New York 13244-2340, USA.
Carey
M P
MP
Fuqua
R W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000592:standards*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*