Predictors of condom use and human immunodeficiency virus test seeking among women living in inner-city public housing developments

Background and Objectives: To examine prevalence and predictors of condom use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test seeking among women living in inner-city housing developments. Study Design: Between April and June 1994, 671 women living in low-income housing developments in five cities in the United States completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire eliciting information on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) risk behavior and characteristics indicative of risk. Results: Most participants were women of color who were economically disadvantaged. Fifteen percent reported multiple sex partners, and 30% of women with one sex partner believed he had sex with someone else in the past year. Predictors of condom use included increased rates of safe-sex negotiation, stronger risk reduction intentions, absence of condom barrier beliefs, and multiple sex partners. Women tested for HIV in the past year were younger, perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV infection, reported more conversations with other women about AIDS concerns, and had condoms readily available. Conclusions: HIV public health prevention interventions are urgently needed for women who live in low-income urban housing developments.