Sexually transmitted diseases are at epidemic proportions among American adolescents and young adults. Preventing transmission of STDs requires consistent use of condoms, however, recent surveys suggest that most sexually active teens and young adults do not use condoms regularly. Few theoretically derived studies of predictors of condom use have been conducted. Based on social cognitive theory, purposes of this study were to examine condom self-efficacy as a predictor of actual condom use, and to determine if condom self-efficacy generalizes to other safer sex practices. Sexually active late adolescents (N=145; average age=19.5 years) completed questionnaires measuring their condom self-efficacy and safer sex practices. The average rating of condom self-efficacy was 4.1 (SD=.49) indicating that respondents generally "agreed" with statements regarding feeling comfortable and skilled in condom use. The respondents reported that they negotiated and used condoms (M=3.3, SD=.62) and practiced other safer sex behaviors (M=2.9, SD=.36) "most of the time." Condom self-efficacy accounted for a significant amount of variance in actual condom use (Rē=13, p < .01). Furthermore, condom self-efficacy contributed significantly to other safer sex practices (Rē=.18, p=.001). The findings indicate that interventions to enhance condom self-efficacy will assist sexually active late adolescents to use condoms as well as a variety of safer sex behaviors.
Learning Objectives: After viewing this poster, conference participants will: 1) list components of condom self-efficacy, 2) explain the relationship between condom self-efficacy and actual condom use, 3) explain the relationship between condom self-efficacy and use of other safer sex behaviors
Keywords: Condom Use,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.