Defense Date

1-26-2009

Graduation Date

Spring 2009

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MA

Department

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Moni McIntyre

Committee Member

Matthew Schneirov

Keywords

HIV, Sexually Transmitted Disease, AIDS, Condom, Health, Prevention

Abstract

The world is almost 30 years into the AIDS pandemic. People know how to prevent HIV by using abstinence, monogamy and condom use. Despite this awareness, people still put themselves at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Why? This thesis catalogues the various reasons why people fail to use condoms during sexual intercourse. The qualitative information represents specific selections from anonymous personal interviews with over 1500 individuals combined with other available data and information from other HIV field workers and organizations. The findings show four major categories of influences effecting an individual's decision to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. These major categories include

1. Partner influence

2. Perception of risk

3. Desire for health and

4. Personal barriers to condom use

Each major category is explained and analyzed. Finally a series of practical solutions are offered to address each of the different barriers to HIV and STD prevention.

Format

PDF

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS