A comprehensive model of the determinants of condom use among young women was developed, tested, and replicated, with longitudinal follow-up to assess predictive utility of the model for condom use over time. Participants in Study 1 and Study 2 were 198 female undergraduates (mean age, 18.6 years) and 238 female undergraduates (mean age, 19.1 years), respectively. Acceptance of sexuality and control over the sexual encounter were related to a multidimensional measure of condom use self-efficacy, which predicted condom use intentions. Perceived susceptibility to STDs was both directly related to intentions and indirectly related through perceived benefits and attitudes about condom use. Intentions predicted subsequent reports of condom use. The model suggests foci for condom use interventions for young women.
PIP: A comprehensive model of the determinants of condom use among young women was developed, tested, and replicated, with longitudinal folow-up to assess the predictive utility of the model for condom use over time. Participants in study 1 and study 2 were 198 female undergraduates of mean age 18.6 years and 238 female undergraduates of mean age 19.1 years, respectively. 74-79% of the women were White and approximately 75% in both groups had ever experienced sexual intercourse. Among those ever having intercourse, the mean age at first intercourse was 16.2-16.3 years and only 15% reported always using condoms. 64-66% reported condom use at first intercourse and 59-60% of all episodes of sexual intercourse overall involved condom use. 66% and 73% of the young women who had had intercourse had had more than one partner and 3-7% of all participants reported ever having a sexually transmitted disease. Acceptance of sexuality and control over the sexual encounter were related to a multidimensional measure of condom use self-efficacy, which predicted condom use intentions. Perceived susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases was both directly related to intentions and indirectly related through perceived benefits and attitudes about condom use. Intentions predicted subsequent reports of condom use.