Predictors of condom use among Israeli soldiers.
Only a small percentage of young people aged 18 to 20 years use condoms regularly. Thus, the younger population has an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. This study examines the underlying determinants of condom use among soldiers based on the theory of planned behavior as well as the influence of soldiers' social circumstances and prior sexual experience. A correlational design using an exploratory survey method was used. Participants were sampled in a convenience sample of 113 male soldiers from the Israel defense forces. A total of 70.1% of soldiers use condoms in their first sexual experience, however, this percentage subsequently decreases. The study indicates that soldiers are not familiar with the risks of frequent oral and anal sex. Behavioral intentions and self-control are significant predictors of condom use. Condom use among soldiers from one-parent families was lower than among soldiers from two-parent families. The theory of planned behavior seems to be a helpful method of predicting condom use among soldiers. Accordingly, efforts should be channeled at attempts to generate changes in soldiers' views of condom use, intensifying normative pressures operated by their social milieu, and increasing their self-control in the use of condoms.
Ben Natan
Merav
M
Hillel Yaffe Medical Centre, Hadera, Israel. meraav@hy.health.gov.il
Danilov
Sergei
S
Evdokimovitz
Yuli
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult