Attitudinal and behavioral correlates of condom use in urban adolescent males

Abstract

To determine correlates of condom use in adolescent males, we administered a sexual behavior questionnaire to 105 urban males attending a general adolescent clinic. The mean age was 16.5 ± 1.6 years, and all reported heterosexual activity during the prior 3 months. Condom use was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with perceived hassle of use (Spearman's ϱ = − 0.40), perception of girlfriend's attitude toward condoms (ϱ = − 0.36), self-confidence in correct use (ϱ = 0.26), younger age (ϱ = 0.25), reported degree of exposure to sexually transmitted disease (STD) education (ϱ = 0.23), perceived condom safety (ϱ = 0.23), and perceived risk of STD if not wearing a condom (ϱ = 0.21). Using stepwise multiple regression, four variables explained a significant amount of variation in condom use: perceived hassle of use, perceived girlfriend's attitude toward condom use, age, and self-confidence in correct use (adjusted R 2 = 0.28, p < 0.001). Intention to use free condoms was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with past use (ϱ = 0.63), girlfriend's attitude toward use (ϱ = − 0.46), self-confidence in correct use (ϱ = 0.36), perceived hassle (ϱ = − 0.31), and degree of exposure to STD education (ϱ = 0.25). Three variables in a regression model explained a significant amount of variation in intent to use free condoms: selfreported past use, girlfriend's attitude, and self-confidence in correct use (adjusted R 2 = 0.51, p < 0.001).