Understanding the Psychosocial Correlates of the Intention to Use Condoms among Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
South Africa leads the world with the number of people infected with HIV. Even with all attempts that have been made to curb HIV, it is still evident that new infections are on the rise. Condom use remains one of the best tools against this challenge yet a small number of sexually active men use them. This study investigates the psychosocial correlates of the intention to use condoms among young men in KwaZulu-Natal province. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework, hierarchical linear regression models were used to determine the unique contribution of the study measures in explaining the overall variance of intention to consistently use condoms. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control towards consistent condom use explained 46% of the variance in the intention to use a condom, suggesting that health behaviour interventions should focus on targeting the normative beliefs as well as control beliefs of the target population. Furthermore, subjective norms and intentions towards reducing alcohol and marijuana use explained an additional 7% to the final model in intentions to condom use, implying that substance use and condom usage may influence each other. No significant contributions were found for beliefs underlying cultural aspects of responsible manhood.
Human Sciences Research Council, Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Private Bag X41, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. tmanyaapelo@hsrc.ac.za.
Thabang
T
Manyaapelo
Human Sciences Research Council, Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town 8000, South Africa. anyembezi@hsrc.ac.za.
Anam
A
Nyembezi
Department of Work & Social Psychology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands. r.ruiter@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Robert A C
RA
Ruiter
Department of Health Education & Health Promotion, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands. b.vdborne@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Bart van den
BV
Borne
Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB, Private Bag X41, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. ssifunda@hsrc.ac.za.
Sibusiso
S
Sifunda
Human Sciences Research Council, Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town 8000, South Africa. preddy@hsrc.ac.za.
Priscilla
P
Reddy
D000293:Adolescent; D032763:Behavior Control / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
African men; HIV/AIDS; condom use; responsible manhood; risky sex; substance use; theory of planned behaviour