Predictors of condom use and multiple partnered sex among sexually‐active adolescent women: Implications for aids‐related health interventions

TLDR

The development of AIDS interventions for adolescents is hindered by the lack of data on the conditions that influence high‑risk sexual behavior. The study examined psychosocial correlates of condom use and multiple partner sex among sexually‑active heterosexual adolescent women. The authors used a cross‑sectional survey of this population to assess how psychosocial factors relate to condom use and partner number. Findings showed that condom use was linked to perceived enjoyment and communication skills, while having multiple partners correlated with susceptibility beliefs, social norms, and communication skills; adolescents reported higher vaginal intercourse rates than average, with a minority engaging in anal sex, underscoring the need for interventions that build communication skills, address motivation, and promote enjoyable safe sex. Keywords: adolescent women, AIDS, condom use, sexual partners; the paper is dedicated to Sam Puckett.

Abstract

The development of AIDS interventions for adolescents is hindered by the lack of data on the conditions that influence high‐risk sexual behavior. We examined psychosocial correlates of condom use and multiple partner sex for a sample of sexually‐active heterosexual adolescent women. Respondents reported higher levels of vaginal intercourse than the "average" adolescent. A minority were engaging in anal intercourse. Condom use was associated with perceived enjoyment of condoms and communication skills. Number of sexual partners was associated with susceptibility beliefs, social norms, and sexual communication skills. The findings support the general observation that AIDS interventions with adolescents should build sexual communication skills, address motivational issues, and teach people how to enjoy safe‐sex activities. Key words: Adolescent womenAIDScondom usesexual partners Notes This paper is dedicated to the memory of Sam Puckett who recently lost his life to AIDS. We will miss a valued colleague and friend.