Theoretical components of STD counselors' messages to promote clients' use of condoms.

A survey of 34 counselors on sexually transmitted diseases from a large Midwestern state was conducted to compare their responses to promote condom use with clients' attitudes and normative beliefs regarding condoms. Four vignettes were developed using predictor variables about condom use based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA). Results indicate subjects responded minimally to TRA variables mentioned in the vignettes. Moralistic messages about condoms were the most frequent responses reported, followed by those on education, disease prevention, and fear. In some cases information provided was not relevant to behavior described in vignettes. Implications for health care professionals are that messages meant to change behaviors should reinforce clients' attitudes and normative influences, and moralistic or fear messages should be minimized.