Self-efficacy in AIDS sexual prevention: influence of gender

The scientific literature suggests that a low self-efficacy for condom use may be related to many risky behaviors for HIV transmission in young people. We analyze the self-efficacy of condom use among youth, the existence of gender differences and the relationship with other relevant variables in HIV prevention. The Self-Efficacy Condom Use Subscale, included in the AIDS Prevention Questionnaire (Ballester, Gil and Gimenez, 2007), was administrated to 3540 university students (50.9% women, 49.1% men). The results showed that the sample obtained medium-high scores on self-efficacy, showing the lowest scores when behavior involves their sexual control at the time of excitation. Statistically significant differences were obtained in different situations according to gender. In this regard, women perceived themselves higher condom use self-efficacy than men, especially when their suggestion about condom use might cause a negative evaluation to the partner; and unless than men those relating to public domain (buying condoms). Moreover, self-efficacy correlated significantly with preventive behavior intention, increased self-efficacy frequency of condom use and perceived effectiveness of condoms in HIV prevention. Future preventive interventions should include an element of self-efficacy and a differentiated perspective by gender.