Predictors of behavioral intentions for having safe sex: Attitudes, parenting, and neighborhood variables

Background: According to the theory of planned behavior, any given behavior is directly preceded by the intention to perform that behavior. Among adolescents, the mechanism determining intentions for having safe sex is complex and poorly understood. The current study examined attitudes about sex and condoms, parental presence and other elements of the parent-adolescent relationship, as well as neighborhood stress as predictors for safe sex intentions. Methods: The study sample included 196 adolescents ages 13-18 in south Florida. Predictors included condom attitudes, sexual attitudes, global communication, parental presence, parent-family connectedness, parent-adolescent activities, neighborhood disorder, and exposure to violence. Gender, race/ethnicity, family structure, and age were also measured. The outcome variable was a 15-item scale measuring behavioral intentions for safe sex behavior, including intentions to use condoms, to discuss previous sexual partners, and to have sex after using drugs and alcohol (α = .87). A stepwise hierarchical regression was conducted in order to determine the best fit model. Results: The most parsimonious model explained 29% of the variance in behavioral intentions (R2 = .29, F(5,115) = 9.24, p < .001). Five variables made a significant contribution, including gender, sexual attitudes, condom attitudes, parental presence, and neighborhood disorder. Discussion: Findings suggest that attitudes about condoms and sex are valid predictors of intentions for safe sex behavior. The findings further reveal that constructs related to adolescents' social environment, including parental presence and neighborhood disorder also contribute to behavioral intentions, suggesting the importance of incorporating contextual factors in prevention interventions.