Power, communication and condom use

Patterns of HIV-relevant sexual risk management in heterosexual relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID19440474
AuthorsEva Bruhin (Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, corresponding author)
Year2003
Volume15
Issue3
Pages389-401
Publication date2003-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0954012031000105441
PMID12828148
OpenAlexW1975549175
LanguageEN
Citations received19
References cited10

Combining relationship-based theories with quantitative methods is a relatively new approach in HIV prevention research. In this paper--focusing on relationship power, communication on HIV protection measures and condom use--clusters are identified which contribute to the understanding of HIV-relevant sexual risk management in heterosexual contacts. Data on 508 heterosexual contacts were collected in the German-speaking part of Switzerland using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Condom use is practised regularly among young and middle-aged couples but not among older couples. Cluster analyses show that in sexual contacts with equal or female power, communication appears to be decisive as to whether a condom is used. Male relationship power, however, is accompanied by relatively frequent condom use, regardless of whether the couple communicated about HIV protection measures. Implications for HIV prevention research and strategies, with an emphasis on aspects of relationship, gender and age, are suggested

Condom · Developmental psychology · Family medicine · Geography · German · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Social Psychology