Tg. Heckman et al., PREDICTORS OF CONDOM USE AND HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS TEST SEEKING AMONG WOMEN LIVING IN INNER-CITY PUBLIC-HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, Sexually transmitted diseases, 23(5), 1996, pp. 357-365
Background and Objectives: To examine prevalence and predictors of con
dom use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test seeking among wome
n living in inner-city housing developments. Study Design: Between Apr
il and June 1994, 671 women living in low-income housing developments
in five cities in the United States completed an anonymous self-report
questionnaire eliciting information on acquired immune deficiency syn
drome (AIDS) risk behavior and characteristics indicative of risk. Res
ults: Most participants were women of color who were economically disa
dvantaged. Fifteen percent reported multiple sex partners, and 30% of
women with one sex partner believed he had sex with someone else in th
e past year. Predictors of condom use included increased rates of safe
-sex negotiation, stronger risk reduction intentions, absence of condo
m barrier beliefs, and multiple sex partners. Women tested for HIV in
the past year were younger, perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV
infection, reported more conversations with other women about AIDS co
ncerns, and had condoms readily available. Conclusions: HIV public hea
lth prevention interventions are urgently needed for women who live in
low-income urban housing developments.