Masculinity, condom use self-efficacy and abusive responses to condom negotiation: the case for HIV prevention for heterosexual African-American men

Background: This study explored the role of masculinity and perceived condom use skills in African-American men's abusive response to female partners' condom requests. Methods: Eighty African-American men aged 18-29 years completed measures on sexual behaviour, responses to condom requests, condom use self-efficacy and other masculine constructs. Men also were tested for sexually transmissible infections. Results: Men's condom use self-efficacy explained 16.5% of the variance in abusive response to condom requests, beyond demographics and masculine constructs. The full model accounted for 63% of the variance. Conclusions: Many HIV interventions with women encourage condom negotiation. Findings highlight the need to address men's condom use skills and masculine norms.