Is condom use habit forming?: Condom use at sexual debut and subsequent condom use.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess whether using a condom at adolescent sexual debut is associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent condom use.


METHODS
A nationally representative sample was used, including 4024 sexually active adolescents (12-18 years) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Logistic regression was used to model the association of condom use at sexual debut on condom use at most recent sex (mean interval, 23 months).


RESULTS
Condom use at adolescent sexual debut was associated with a twofold increased likelihood of condom use during most recent sex (odds ratio, 2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-2.73).


CONCLUSIONS
Among adolescents, early condom use is associated with an increased likelihood of subsequent condom use.
Shafii
Taraneh
T
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. tshafii@u.washington.edu
Stovel
Katherine
K
Davis
Robert
R
Holmes
King
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002648:Child; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology