The theory of planned behaviour as predictor of condom use: A narrative review

The paper provides an overview of research focusing on the utility of the theory of planned behaviour in predicting condom use. The review is qualitative and focuses in detail on the 20 studies with this focus. Methodological issues specific to sexual research as well as the wider use of the theory are considered. The review also considers factors that may influence, or interact with, attitudes, social norms or perceived behavioural control to either influence intentions of behaviour. Key conclusions are that the theory has proven useful in predicting both intentions to use condoms and condom use, that attitudes are more powerfully predictive than social norms, and that efficacy judgements appear to be more influential than other perceived control factors. Despite the success of the model, alternative models such as the health action process (Schwarzer & Fuchs, 1996), which provide both temporal structure to decision making and additional factors which may influence behaviour should be the focus of future research.