Inconsistent users of condoms: A challenge to traditional models of health behaviour

People who sometimes use condoms present a challenge to the utility of traditional models of health-protective behaviour in safe sex research. This study used a prospective condom use diary to identify predictors of condom use among heterosexual young adults who use condoms inconsistently. Rather than being influenced by the trait-like attitudes and beliefs central to traditional models of health behaviour, condom use was predicted by characteristics of the sexual encounter, particularly negotiation of condom use. The results of this study highlight the limitations of attempts to explain condom use solely on the basis of trait-like characteristics of individuals. The results also show that if we wish to increase rates of condom use among people who use condoms inconsistently, then we must instil in them skills for negotiating condom use, and confidence in their ability to use these skills.