Abstract #338  -  Demographic Characteristics and Gender Roles as Predcitors of Condom Use among Latinos in the United States
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr. Julia Albarracin - Western Illinois University
Additional Authors:
Aim: The Latino population in the US represents 13.5 of the total population but 20% of the new AIDS cases. This study analyzed the frequency and determinants of condom use with main and occasional partners among Latinos in rural Illinois.
Method / Issue: This study uses regression analyses based on in-person surveys (N=200) and in-depth interviews (N=35)
Results / Comments: Findings indicated that socioeconomic resources and other cultural characteristic explained condom use. For example, education, income, and being born in the US were associated with increased condom use whereas age was associated with decreased condom use. In addition, language acquisition patterns were influential, with participants who were more fluent in English being more likely to wear condoms than participants who were less fluent in English. Gender roles also showed interesting results. Negative stereotypes about women (e.g., “Women try to control men”) were associated with increased condom use, while positive ones (e.g., “Women should be cherished and protected”) were associated with decreased condom use. It is possible that men who do not trust women also not trust them to be free of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). In contrast, men who think that women should be cherished and protected may also think that women are pure (Marianismo) and represent no STI threat. Several qualitative interviews were conducted to further explore these hypotheses.
Discussion: Different resources that help people overcome obstacles in society like income, education and language skills seem to also be crucial in predicting condom use. In addition, different gender stereotypes seem to influence condom use differently. It is possible that men who do not trust women also not trust them to be free of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). In contrast, men who think that women should be cherished and protected may also think that women are pure (Marianismo) and represent no STI threat.
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