Correlates of partner-specific condom use intentions among incarcerated women in Rhode Island.
BACKGROUND
Few studies of incarcerated women have examined potential associations between risky sexual behavior and relationship context factors; thus, little is known about the correlates of intentions to use condoms with main and casual partners in this underserved population.


METHODS
A sample of 221 women incarcerated in a Rhode Island Department of Corrections facility in 2002-2003 were interviewed. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess associations between selected demographic, psychosocial and behavioral variables and participants' reported intentions to use condoms with main and casual sexual partners in the first six months after their release.


RESULTS
Condom use at last sex with a main partner, sexually transmitted disease (STD) history, no strong desire to currently be pregnant, belief that others influence one's health and perceived STD risk were positively associated with women's intention to use condoms with main partners. Pregnancy history was negatively associated with intention to use condoms with a main partner. Condom use at last sex with a casual partner was positively associated with intention to use condoms with casual partners, whereas binge drinking and believing in the role of chance in determining one's health were negatively associated with intention to use condoms with casual partners.


CONCLUSIONS
Whether incarcerated women define a partner as main or casual may influence their decisions about the need to protect themselves by using condoms. Programs that focus on the importance of condom use with all partners could greatly benefit incarcerated women and the communities to which they return.
Rosengard
Cynthia
C
Division of General Internal Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA. cynthia_rosengard@brown.edu
Clarke
Jennifer G
JG
DaSilva
Kristen
K
Hebert
Megan
M
Rose
Jennifer
J
Stein
Michael D
MD
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012237:Rhode Island; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires