Condom availability programs in Massachusetts high schools: relationships with condom use and sexual behavior.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed relationships between condom availability programs accompanied by community discussion and involvement and adolescent sexual practices.


METHODS
Sexual practice and condom use differences were assessed in a representative sample of 4166 adolescents enrolled in high schools with and without condom availability programs.


RESULTS
Adolescents in schools where condoms were available were more likely to receive condom use instruction and less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse. Sexually active adolescents in those schools were twice as likely to use condoms, but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent sexual encounter.


CONCLUSIONS
The strategy of making condoms available, an indication of socioenvironmental support for condom use, may improve HIV prevention practices.
Blake
Susan M
SM
Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC 20037, USA. smblake1@aol.com
Ledsky
Rebecca
R
Goodenow
Carol
C
Sawyer
Richard
R
Lohrmann
David
D
Windsor
Richard
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D002648:Child; D018672:Community Health Planning; D003256:Community Participation; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D016134:Organizational Policy; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*