Condom Use Behavior: An Assessment of United States College Students' Health Education Needs

Abstract

Descriptive studies regarding sexual activity and condom use among college persons have found that college students are particularly permissive and do not use condoms regularly. Within a social cognitive theory (SCT) framework, the present study determined the condom use related health education needs of college students. Data regarding condom use frequency, appropriateness of condom use, social support for condom use, perceived barriers regarding condom use, perceived social norm regarding the use of condoms, perceived outcomes of using a condom, and condom use self-efficacy were collected from 569 students enrolled in health, physical education, and recreation classes at a large mid-Western United States university. Results indicated a serious lack of consistent and appropriate use of condoms. Strengths and weaknesses of SCT scales were described. Women could improve on their physical and emotional outcome expectations of using a condom. Areas for men that could be improved include perceived physical and emotional outcomes of condom use, self-efficacy related to partner disapproval and embarrassment, and self-efficacy related to intoxicants. Several recommendations for college health education programs were made.