title: Correlates of condom failure among adolescent males: an exploratory study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the prevalence and correlates of condom failure (defined as breakage or slipping off in the past 90 days) among a sample of adolescent males (15 to 21 years of age).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study of 481 condom-using males residing in three US cities (Atlanta, GA, Providence RI, Miami FL). Data were collected, in the years 2000 and 2001, using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technology. Prevalence ratios were used to determine the strength and significance of bivariate associations between ten assessed correlates and condom failure. Correlates achieving a screening level of significance were entered into a multivariate model that was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent condom failure was reported by 34.1%. Younger adolescents were about one-third less likely to report condom failure (AOR = 0.66; P = 0.4). Adolescents reporting multiple sex partners were about 80% more likely to report failure (AOR = 1.84; P = 0.09). Adolescents indicating they had sex with someone on the same day they met the person were about 80% more likely to report failure (AOR = 1.77; P = 0.02). Finally, adolescents indicating recent problems obtaining condoms were about 70% more likely to report failure (AOR = 1.69; P = 0.1). Failure was not less common among those reporting a history of STD infection or those ever impregnating a partner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because adolescent males may commonly experience condom failure, targeted clinic- and community-based programs designed to reduce user error could be an important aspect of preventing pregnancy and the spread of STDs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, GA 30322, USA. crosby@uky.edu
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Crosby
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Diclemente
authors.forename: Gina M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Wingood
authors.forename: Laura F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.forename: Eve
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Celia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lescano
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pugatch
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Flanigan
authors.forename: Isa
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schlenger
authors.forename: Barabra J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Silver
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population