6533b7cffe1ef96bd1257c79

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Autoeficacia en la prevención sexual del Sida: la influencia del género

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Title: Self-efficacy in AIDS sexual prevention: influence of gender. Abstract: The scientific literature suggests that a low self-efficacy for con- dom 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 medi- um-high scores on self-efficacy, showing the lowest scores when behavior involves their sexual control at the time of excitation. Statistically signifi- cant 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- reported frequency of condom use and perceived effectiveness of condoms in HIV prevention. Future preventive interventions should include an ele- ment of self-efficacy and a differentiated perspective by gender. Keywords: Self-efficacy; Condom use; Young; Gender; AIDS prevention.