Body Mass Index Category, Exercise, and Depression: Predicting Condom Use at Last Intercourse
Date
2008-12
Authors
Pitts, Amanda Louise
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Abstract
Body Mass Index intersects with many predictors of condom use; however, few studies have viewed obesity as an independent predictor of condom use. Using
a theoretical viewpoint that the obesity stigma may change an individual’s behavior, I look at BMI as an independent variable predicting condom use at last intercourse. After controlling for age, race, STI diagnosis, depression, exercise, parental education, and parental income, BMI is generally not a significant predictor of condom use. However, there is an interaction between obesity and fitness: obese women who work out are 3.5 times more likely to use a condom, and obese women who do not work out are 64 percent less likely to use a condom. This finding presents implications for both health education and stigma reduction.
Description
Keywords
condoms, obesity, sex, body mass index, psychology
Citation
Pitts, A. L. (2008). Body mass index category, exercise, and depression: Predicting condom use at last intercourse (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.