Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #99072

Richard Crosby, PhD, MA, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Ave., Lexington, KY 40506-0003, 859-257-5678, crosby@uky.edu

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of condom use errors and problems among a sample of female teens and to test 2 inter-related hypotheses concerning condom failure (including the relationship with biologically-confirmed STDs). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 134 female teens (14-18 years of age) recruited within 8 detention facilities located in the Southern United States. Measures of condom use errors and problems were collected using audio-computer assisted self-interviewing. A biological assessment for the presence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae was also conducted. Results: Five forms of condom use errors/problems were common: not discussing condom use with the partner (34.3%), not having a condom when one was desired (48.5%), starting sex before application (21.6%), removing condoms before sex concludes (26.9%), and breakage (32.8%). Modest, but significant, associations were found between condom errors/problems and drug and alcohol use. Errors/problems with condom use were significantly higher among teens diagnosed with an STD (P = .039 for an index measure of errors/problems; P = .022 for a single-item frequency measure of condom failures). Conclusions: Findings suggest that it is not uncommon for female teens to experience condom use errors/problems. Future studies should investigate strategies designed to foster improved use by female teens and their male sex partners.

Learning Objectives:

• Audience members will be able to identify links between condom use errors and various forms of potential condom failure.
• Audience members will understand why condom use errors are particularly important as a focal point for HIV prevention among adolescent females.

Keywords: Adolescents, Sickness Absence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.