High-risk adolescents and female condoms: knowledge, attitudes, and use patterns.
OBJECTIVE
To explore data on high-risk male and female adolescents' attitudes towards female condoms, compared with male condoms.


METHODS
Exploratory survey research was utilized with a convenience sample of 65 high-risk adolescents at an emergency homeless shelter. A peer-led intervention was conducted and pre-test and post-test interviews explored barriers to female condom use. The intervention consisted of 15- to 30-minute small group sessions, discussing female condoms' construction; purpose of the rings; efficacy preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STIs); and how to lubricate, insert, and use. Content and Chi-square analyses were utilized.


RESULTS
Sixty-three percent used male condoms as their primary contraceptive method; almost half (48%) said they always used male condoms, but 44% reported having sex without a male condom at least once in the 2 weeks prior to pre-test. Ninety-five percent had heard of the female condom, half 'good' and 24% 'bad' things, but only 15% had ever used one. At post-test all respondents gave reasons they might use female condoms in the future, and 77% gave reasons why they might not. Most (73%) adolescents said they would still prefer the male to the female condom. The major potential barriers to adolescents' female condom use were not having female condoms available and/or females feeling uncomfortable inserting them.


CONCLUSIONS
Female condoms should be offered to adolescents as an additional choice rather than as replacements for male condoms. Further research is needed to assure access, availability, and comfort with female condoms and male participation in their use.
Haignere
C S
CS
Department of Health Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
Gold
R
R
Maskovsky
J
J
Ambrosini
J
J
Rogers
C L
CL
Gollub
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009511:New England; D010379:Peer Group; D011247:Pregnancy; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires