Habit, intention, and drug use as interactive predictors of condom use among drug abusers

This three-wave study explored the prospective effects of habit (previous condom use), intentions to use condoms, past and proximal (before sex) drug use (alcohol, marijuana, cigarette, and hard drug use), and interactions among these variables on condom use among 211 men and women intravenous drug users. Several theoretical alternatives were evaluated. In one alternative, habit is thought to have preeminence over intentions and other variables in the prediction of behavior. In another alternative, drug use is thought to interact in its effects on condom use, by making individuals susceptible to not adhering to their previous intentions regarding safe sex practices. The results showed that condom use habit was a consistent and strong predictor of future condom use, whereas intention was a weak and inconsistent predictor. Neither past (long-term) nor proximal (before sex) drug use moderated (interacted with) the effects of either intention or habit on later condom use. The preeminence of habit in the prediction of condom use is similar to findings from other areas of health behavior, underscoring the need for more focused research on the underpinnings of health habit effects.