This study will explore and assess specific knowledge of female reproductive anatomy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and attitudes towards female condom use among low-income African-American and Latina women attending a primary care clinic in Harlem. Few HIV/AIDS studies have included specific knowledge on female reproductive anatomy. Studies indicate that knowledge of female reproductive anatomy is low among poor minority women, limiting their understanding of STD transmission. Acceptance of the female condom, among low-income African- American and Latina women, will depend on their level of knowledge of female reproductive anatomy and on their level of comfort in using barrier devices. The proposed study will consist of two phases. Phase I: a total of 100 women will be randomly selected to participate in ten focus groups. Phase II: an additional 150 women will be randomly selected to participate in a 25 minute face-to-face interview. Qualitative and quantitative data will be produced through the combination of focus groups and a cross-sectional survey, yielding an understanding of the relevance of knowledge of female reproductive anatomy to female condom use and sexual risk reduction among minority women. In addition, this pilot study will inform the development of a NIMH R01 application on HIV/AIDS intervention strategies combining reproductive anatomy and STD education and female condom use skills. This study will be conducted by an investigator from Columbia University School of Social Work.
| Witte, S S; Wada, T; El-Bassel, N et al. (2000) Predictors of female condom use among women exchanging street sex in New York City. Sex Transm Dis 27:93-100 |
| Witte, S S; el-Bassel, N; Wada, T et al. (1999) Acceptability of female condom use among women exchanging street sex in New York City. Int J STD AIDS 10:162-8 |
| Witte, S; el-Bassel, N; Krishnan, S et al. (1999) Correlates of condom coupon redemption among urban sexually transmitted disease clinic patients. Womens Health Issues 9:56-64 |
| el-Bassel, N; Krishnan, S P; Witte, S et al. (1998) Correlates of intention to use the female condom among women taking methadone. Womens Health Issues 8:112-22 |
