Factors affecting condom use among adolescents

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Abstract
A total of 822 adolescents (15‐19 years old) took part in this study. A subsample of this group, consisting of respondents with previous sexual experience (n = 423) is central to the analyses in this article. Previous condom use was related to attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, anticipated affective reactions and habits. Perception of risk, response‐efficacy and some demographic variables were also included in the analyses. Results indicate the necessity to distinguish between groups, both in terms of monogamy and gender. Self‐efficacy had a strong effect on taking precautionary measures, especially for girls. Attitudes, anticipated affective reactions and habits also played an important role in determining the frequency of condom use. Implications of these findings for our understanding of adolescent sexual behaviour, and for campaigns aiming at the reduction of risky sexual practices, will be discussed.