title: 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 less than 0.05) associated with perceived hassle of use (Spearman's rho = -0.40), perception of girlfriend's attitude toward condoms (rho = -0.36), self-confidence in correct use (rho = 0.26), younger age (rho = 0.25), reported degree of exposure to sexually transmitted disease (STD) education (rho = 0.23), perceived condom safety (rho = 0.23), and perceived risk of STD if not wearing a condom (rho = 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 R2 = 0.28, p less than 0.001). Intention to use free condoms was significantly (p less than 0.05) associated with past use (rho = 0.63), girlfriend's attitude toward use (rho = -0.46), self-confidence in correct use (rho = 0.36), perceived hassle (rho = -0.31), and degree of exposure to STD education (rho = 0.25). Three variables in a regression model explained a significant amount of variation in intent to use free condoms: self-reported past use, girlfriend's attitude, and self-confidence in correct use (adjusted R2 = 0.51, p less than 0.001).
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Pendergrast
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: DuRant
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gaillard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D014505:Urban Population