Promoting condom-related behaviours in a broad population: Evaluation of a LifeGuide-based intervention

Abstract

Objective. The present study aims to evaluate the use of LifeGuide to deliver an intervention promoting the performance of three condom-related behaviours in a broad population using persuasive messages. Design. A 3 (intervention: control vs. positively-framed message vs. negatively-framed message) x 3 (time: pre-intervention, post-intervention, three-month follow-up) randomized controlled design was used to compare changes in behaviour and intention. Methods. An online LifeGuide-based intervention was completed by 439 individuals aged between 13 and 85 years of age (females, n = 310, M age = 30.80, SD = 12.75). Pre-intervention, extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) psychological measures and self-report condom-related behaviour were completed. Immediately post-intervention, TPB measures were completed again. Three months later, all pre-intervention measures were completed. Results. Intention to treat MANOVA analysis showed a main effect of time on the TPB measures (F (36, 400) = 3.92, p = <.001, h p 2 = .26), but this did not differ by condition ( F (36, 836) = .70, p = .91, h p 2 = .03). Performance of condom-related behaviours did not significantly increase over time ( F (3, 433) = 1.28, p = .28, h p 2 = .01). Conclusion. An online safer sex intervention aimed at a broad population can increase intentions to carry and use condoms, which may serve a protective function in the future. However, LifeGuide may not be the best platform for delivering safer sex interventions, due to lack of anonymity for users.