The theory of reasoned action applied to condom use and request of condom use in Mexican government workers

In the present study, 1203 male and female state workers of low socioeconom ic status answered a survey that included components of The Theory of Reaso ned Action: behavioural beliefs, behavioural attitudes, behavioural intenti ons, subjective norm, motivation to comply, condom use, and request of cond om use (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). It was found that when subjects referred to occasional partners, personal behaviour beliefs a nd attitudes were more important, whereas when subjects referred to regular sexual partners the subjective norm and motivation to comply with the refe rence groups took precedence. Moreover, evidence from this study shows that condom use is better predicted by a model that includes the intentions to use the condom versus a model that has the "goal behaviour" of requesting t he partner for condom use. These results show the power of the model in exp laining intentions and behaviour, as well as the need for the creation of p ersonalised programmes directed at gender-specific groups and sexual behavi our.