Influence of attitudes on the intention to use condoms in Quebec sexually active male adolescents.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of attitudes and other variables on the intention to use condoms in sexually active male adolescents. METHODS: The survey was conducted from April to June 1989 on a sample of 433 sexually active boys aged 12-19 years registered in secondary schools in Laval, Quebec. RESULTS: Information on condoms provided by parents, peers, school, or media had no positive effect on male adolescents' intention to use condoms. Having a favorable attitude towards contraceptive responsibility, however, was significantly associated with the outcome variable. Endorsement of this responsibility seemed short-lived being replaced by the birth control pill in older adolescents. The study also found that in younger adolescents, intention to use condoms was significantly associated with supportive parental attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the importance of developing strategies to encourage sexually active male adolescents to assume greater responsibility for using condoms, and suggest that in order for programs to be effective, STD and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention should be done at younger ages while encouraging parents to take a greater role in sex education.

ABSTRACT

PIP The authors surveyed between April and June 1989, 1328 males from six secondary schools in grades 7-11 in Laval, Quebec, to determine the influence of attitudes and other variables on their intentions to use condoms. Findings are based upon survey feedback from the 433 students who reported being sexually active. Although they ranged in age from 12 to 19 years, 91.9% were aged 13-17. Laval is a mainly French-speaking middle-class white suburb immediately north of Montreal and is the second most populous city in the province of Quebec with a population of 314,398. Condom use at first intercourse was greatest among 14 year olds at 72.7%, compared to only 51.2% of 17 year olds. Older adolescents depended more upon their female partners' use of oral contraceptives. In younger adolescents, the intention to use condoms was significantly associated with supportive parental attitudes about sexuality and contraception. Information on condoms provided by parents, peers, schools, and the media had no positive effect upon subjects' intentions to use condoms. The young men seemed instead to be more affected by their personal attitudes about condoms. The authors suggest exposing young men to programs designed to prevent unwanted pregnancy, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases early in their lives. Parents should also be encouraged to take a greater role in sex education.