Young people's condom use: An event specific analysis

An event specific analysis was used to identify relationships between condom use and situational variables in a sample of 244 young people aged between 15 and 18 years. High levels of condom use were reported (81% used a condom in their most recent sexual encounter) and condom use was more commonly reported by young men than by young women. For young men, age was the only variable associated with condom use. For young women, the probability of condom use was positively associated with discussion about use of condoms, and negatively associated with partner's age and use of other contraceptives. Condom use was not related to reported alcohol or drug use on the part of the respondent or their partner, levels of knowledge about sexually transmissible diseases or type of relationship. These findings highlight the need to examine the context and outcomes of specific sexual encounters rather than relying on long-term reports of sexual safety.