Correlates of condom use and condom-use motivation among young South Africans
Outcomes: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms around gender roles, trust in relationships, and HIV-related beliefs significantly influence condom use motivation among adolescents in South Africa. The study highlights how condom use is not just a health behavior but a socially situated act, interpreted through norms about fidelity, respect, and masculinity. Beliefs that condom use implies infidelity or is unnecessary in “serious” relationships, as well as traditional views about HIV transmission (e.g., witchcraft or spiritual causes), weaken motivation to use condoms. Effective interventions must challenge these norms and integrate culturally specific beliefs into established behavior change models to improve HIV prevention outcomes.
Objectives The study aimed to identify modifiable cognitive and social correlates of condom use and motivation to use condoms among adolescents aged 12–17 in the Mankweng region of South Africa, in order to inform context-specific HIV-prevention strategies.
Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 893 secondary school students aged 12–17 from nine schools in Mankweng. The researchers developed a 200-item questionnaire based on existing behavioral theories (e.g., Theory of Planned Behavior) and culturally relevant constructs identified through local focus groups and pilot testing. Measures included condom use behavior, motivation, self-efficacy, social norms, and HIV-related beliefs. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to identify predictors of condom use and motivation.
Results Motivation to use condoms was the strongest predictor of consistent condom use, explaining 7.1% of the variance, while age contributed an additional 3.4%. In turn, motivation was strongly predicted by three types of condom self-efficacy (consistent use, correct use, negotiation), which collectively explained 31% of its variance. Other significant predictors of condom use motivation included injunctive norms (peer approval), beliefs about condoms indicating respect or cheating, perceived HIV risk, gender equality norms, and stigma. Traditional beliefs about HIV transmission (e.g., via witchcraft or supernatural forces) negatively influenced condom use motivation.
Conclusions Condom use behaviors among South African adolescents are shaped by a complex mix of individual, relational, and sociocultural factors. Standard behavioral models must be adapted to include culturally specific beliefs and local gender norms to be effective. Interventions should not only build self-efficacy but also address beliefs linking condom use to mistrust and challenge misinformation about HIV to strengthen adolescents’ motivation for safe sex.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.