Self-determination measures as predictors of condom use self-efficacy among young South African women

Abstract

Background: Practicing safe sex remains a problem for women in South Africa and is often associated with low confidence levels to use condoms. This paper identifies correlates of condom use self-efficacy. Methods: Baseline data from a cross-sectional study conducted among young women (n = 238) from the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. Bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations of self-determination theory and gender variables with self-efficacy towards condom use in general and risky situations. Results: Findings showed positive associations for gender equality beliefs and HIV knowledge with self-efficacy in both situations. General self-efficacy was also positively associated with power balance attitudes, negative intimate partner violence beliefs, and positive growth perspective while the association with hopeless personal perspective was negative. Surprisingly, perceived social support was negatively associated with self-efficacy to use a condom in risky situations. Conclusion: Self-determination and gender variables seem to be important sources of young women’s confidence to practice safe sex. The implications of these findings for future interventions will be discussed.