Unwanted unprotected sex: condom coercion by male partners and self-silencing of condom negotiation among adolescent girls

ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2011 Jul-Sep;34(3):243-59. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0b013e31822723a3.

Abstract

This exploratory study used the theory of reasoned action and the theory of gender and power to guide elicitation of partner-related impediments to condom use among 64 adolescent girls living in poor urban areas with high rates of HIV and partner abuse. About 53% indicated that they had experienced unwanted, unprotected vaginal sex and 25% indicated that they were unable to discuss condom use with a partner. Novel qualitative findings related to condom coercion, condom sabotage, and self-silencing of condom negotiation are discussed in the context of connecting partner abuse to interpersonal control over condom use. Implications for intervention design are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Coercion
  • Condoms*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Negotiating / psychology*
  • New England
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data