ABSTRACT
Predicting AIDS-preventive behaviour, particularly condom use, with a model such as the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) must be seen in the context of related research into attitudes and beliefs about condoms. This chapter attempts to review the previous evidence on the influence of attitudes towards condoms, in order to locate the data on the theory of reasoned action within work on determinants of condom use and to conceptualise the application of the theory of reasoned action as part of an attempt to better explain HIV and STD-preventive behaviour. It is important to note that a substantial portion of this work has involved attitudes toward condoms as contraceptives (although a significant amount of work fails to distinguish the use of the condom as STD prophylaxis with contraceptive use). This work is included in the historical perspective as attitudes toward, and beliefs about, condoms have been located within previous discourses and built upon previous perceptions about condoms. Indeed, with heterosexual condom use, it may not be possible to separate STD prophylactic and contraceptive elements. While much of the research cited is atheoretical, it does contribute substantially to an understanding of attitudes and beliefs regarding condoms and condom use which the theory of reasoned action later develops. Prior to reviewing the previous literature on condoms, it must be noted that the term 'attitude' as used in these studies may not necessarily be similar to the definition of attitude adopted by the theory of reasoned action. Nevertheless, an understanding of attitude as more broadly defined will guide any specific definitions of attitude in the context of the application of the theory of reasoned action.
