Changes in condom use among heterosexuals in wave 3 of the AMEN Survey

Abstract

We examined risk factors for HIV and changes in condom use among heterosexual adults (N = 987) over three waves of data from the AIDS in Multi‐Ethnic Neighborhoods (AMEN) cohort survey (1988–89, 1989–90, 1991–92). We found that respondents had maintained increases in condom use reported at Wave 2, but the overall picture is one of condom use having plateaued (and possibly decreased; see sales data). The self‐report condom use data parallel national data on condom sales for 1990 to 1992. Changes in condom use between Waves 2 and 3 were unrelated to social class, race / ethnicity, and age. Men and people without primary sexual partners were the most likely to report gains in condom use from Wave 2 to 3. At‐risk people did not show changes in condom use with primary sexual partners. People with multiple sexual partners at Waves 2 and 3 also did not change in condom use. However, people who acquired risk by Wave 3 showed significant increases in occasional condom use. The results call for renewed efforts to facilitate condom use (and HIV testing) among the chronically at risk and those at‐risk individuals who enter “monogamous” relationships.