Understanding the Psychosocial Correlates of the Intention to Use Condoms among Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Outcomes: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—especially the perceived expectations of peers and elders—strongly influence young men’s condom use intentions. Changing these norms is key to improving safer sex practices.
Objectives This study aimed to examine the psychosocial factors influencing young men’s intentions to use condoms consistently in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It focused on how social norms, personal attitudes, perceived control, substance use, and traditional concepts of manhood shape these intentions.
Methods Data were collected from 350 sexually active men aged 18–35 in rural and peri-urban KwaZulu-Natal. Using a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework, researchers measured attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions regarding condom use, as well as substance use behaviors, HIV knowledge, and beliefs about responsible manhood. A hierarchical regression model was used to assess which variables best predicted the intention to use condoms consistently.
Intervention Details The study was part of a broader intervention development project to create culturally sensitive life skills programs for young men, addressing condom use, HIV prevention, substance use, and positive male roles.
Results Subjective norms (perceived social expectations) and perceived behavioural control were the strongest predictors, explaining 46% of the variance in intention to use condoms. Adding variables related to reducing alcohol and marijuana use explained an additional 7%. Knowledge about HIV and condoms, and measures of responsible manhood, did not significantly predict condom use intentions.
Conclusions Interventions should focus on shifting social expectations and enhancing self-efficacy, while also addressing substance use. Although responsible manhood is culturally relevant, its influence on condom use behavior may need further development.
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