RESUMO
AIDS prevention research has demonstrated that theoretically driven HIV prevention programs can be tailored to specific cultures. Further, condom self-efficacy and contraceptive self-efficacy scales have been tested in the U.S. and been shown to predict condom and contraceptive use. Results of condom and contraceptive self-efficacy studies have been used to suggest ways to educate and counsel young people to avoid unprotected sex. This paper reports the findings from our research in Salvador, Brazil, using Levinson's Condom Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSE). The data are derived from six focus groups totaling 76 teenagers from three high schools. The focus group discussions explored cultural and psychological issues involved in condom use. Here we report on the gender dynamics of condom use as revealed by these urban Brazilian teenagers. Three focal points for behavioral change are identified: (1) issues of masculinity, (2) issues of femininity, and (3) condom use skills.