THE NEW FEMALE CONDOM - ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS OF LOW-INCOME PUERTO-RICAN WOMEN AT RISK FOR HIV AIDS/

This research investigates attitudes about and potential use of the ne w, FDA-approved ''female condom'' (known as Reality, or the ''vaginal pouch''). The author investigates perceived feasibility of this produc t for personal use, capacity of women to introduce this device to part ners in conversation, perceived ability by women to negotiate its use, perceptions of product efficacy, and attributions accorded the device through demonstration and physical manipulation. Data from prior rese arch in this population by the author are used to test relationships b etween attributions held about male condom use and sexual negotiation and attitudes reported about the female condom. Women's responses were trended positively toward the female condom, with a sizable percentag e willing to try the device. The female condom emerged, attitudinally, as a promising vehicle for female protection among Hispanic females s tudied. Substantive support and education, however, should be made ava ilable concurrently to these women and their male partners.