Factors associated with condom use by sexually active male adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of condom use in a population of male adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study.

SETTING

Clinical sites (school-based, adolescent and STD clinics) providing reproductive health care to male adolescents in a midwestern city.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixteen male adolescents 15 to 19 years of age were enrolled consecutively.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects completed a multi-instrument questionnaire examining sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs about STDs and condoms, cognitive maturity, and health risk behaviors; urethral specimens were cultured for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

RESULTS

The median age was 17; 31% were white and 69% were African-American. Thirty-seven percent had urethral infections: 21% were infected with C trachomatis, 11% with N gonorrhoeae, and 5% with both organisms. More than 60% reported some experience with condoms and 23% reported condom use at last coitus. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, condom use for STD prevention was less likely among those reporting other health risk behaviors (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36 to 0.78; P < .001) and more STD risk behaviors (OR = 0.65; CI = 0.45 to 0.96; P = .03). Adolescents who were more highly motivated (OR = 1.58; CI = 1.09 to 2.30; P = .02) and who were more positive about condoms (OR = 1.83; CI = 1.25 to 2.68; P < .001) were more likely to report condom use for contraception. Adolescents using condoms for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) protection engaged in fewer behavioral (OR = .62; CI = 0.42 to 0.92; P = .02) and STD risks (OR = .67; CI = 0.45 to 0.99; P = .04). Three specific reasons for condom use were highly predictive of condom use at last intercourse: STD prevention (OR = 8.9; CI = 3.13 to 25.4; P < .001), birth control (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.05 to 4.25; P = .03), and AIDS prevention (OR = 2.4; CI = 1.05 to 5.42; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Condom use among adolescent males is influenced by perceived benefit, namely prevention of pregnancy & avoidance of STDs including AIDS. Nonuse is associated with other risk-taking behavior.