Sexual risk behavior, knowledge, and condom use among adolescents in juvenile detention

Predicting adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among South Korean adults aged 40 to 69 Years using the expanded health empowerment model

The public health environment in South Korea is advancing toward the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent of individuals' compliance with preventive measures during this transitional period and the potential predictors that determine such compliance behaviors. In this study, we employed the expanded health empowerment model to investigate factors associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among Korean adults in late 2022. Our theoretical framework integrates the knowledge-attitude-behavior model with the health belief model to conceptualize health empowerment underlying the formation of preventive behaviors. We collected data from 1100 Korean adults aged 40-69 years through an online survey conducted in October 2022. Participants responded to questions about their knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes towards the disease, adherence to preventive measures, infection history, and sociodemographic characteristics. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. Results showed that attitudes toward the disease predict adherence to preventive behaviors. We also found that COVID-19 knowledge partially determined the attitudes toward the disease. However, COVID-19 knowledge was not directly associated with adherence to preventive behaviors. Additionally, the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors did not differ between infected and never-infected individuals. Overall, this study finds empirical support for the expanded health empowerment model, which connects knowledge to preventive behaviors through positive attitudes toward the disease, while underscoring the limited role of infection history in this association. These findings can help policymakers understand individual responses to public health guidelines in the late pandemic era and develop policies to mitigate further transmission of COVID-19.

A comparison of health behaviours in male adolescents with and without offending histories referred for adolescent health services in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Offending and incarceration are important societal problems that might be reduced by improving early intervention. Most prior work identifying risk factors has focussed on early oppositional or aggressive behaviours and environmental problems. Among adults, it is well recognised that offenders have much poorer health than the wider population. This raises questions about whether behaviours that put health at risk while a teenager may also be good markers of subsequent offending.

AIMS

To examine the relationship between risky health behaviours and delinquency by comparing male teenage offenders with a history of incarceration and male teenagers with no criminal involvement.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 66 male 12-18-year-old offenders with an incarceration history who were referred for evaluation to the Forensic Medicine Polyclinic in 2021 were compared with 74 similar aged adolescents without a criminal record but attending another clinic in the same hospital, using the Risky Health Behaviour Scale (RHBS). This covers dietary, road safety and sexual behaviours as well as exercise, substance use and violent behaviours. Negative items were reverse scored so that higher scores indicated more pro-health activities.

RESULTS

Total RHBS scores were significantly lower among the offender-group than the comparison teenagers (Means 93.19 ± 17.00: 107.20 ± 10.83; p ≤ 0.001). This reflected significant differences in each of the subscale scores except dietary and risky sexual behaviour. Only substance use behaviours, however, were independently related to offender group membership, as was family socio-economic status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings add indications of risky health-related behaviours to the already extensive literature on risky social behaviours in the history of young offenders. It is possible that focussing on young offenders referred to a health service, albeit one primarily directed at mental health, has exaggerated such differences, but if substantiated in larger and more diverse samples, these findings may open new avenues for early identification of young people at risk of offending and commensurate early interventions. Focus on substance use by young people seems especially important, but low family socio-economic status needs remedies too.

Behavioral Profiles and Attitude toward Condom Use among College Students in Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Unsafe sexual behavior among adolescents still represents a public health challenge. To have safe sex, effective condom utilization is needed. Condom use remains relatively low among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Even though adolescents have good knowledge about condom use, they are still engaged in risky sexual behavior.

Objective

To assess condom use and attitude toward condom use among college students in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 students at Mizan-Aman Polytechnic College in southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered using EpiData version 4.2.0.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Binary logistic regression was computed. Independent variables with a p value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were considered significant.

Results

Of the 453, 180 were sexually active. Among those sexually active, 119 (66.1%) used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. The proportion of positive attitude toward condom use was 53.4%, and the mean attitude score for condom use was 28.6 (±9.99 SD) ranging from 10 to 50. The study also found that being male (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.19-2.65]), rural resident (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI [1.47-3.30]), ever had sex (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI [1.23-2.85]), and knowledge of STIs (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.10-2.51]) were factors associated with a positive attitude toward condom use.

Conclusion

The proportion of positive attitude toward condom use among college students in Ethiopia was low. The study also found that being male, rural resident, ever had sex, and knowledge of STIs were factors associated with a positive attitude toward condom use. Therefore, strengthening information, education, and communication (IEC) on condom self-efficacy; providing condoms on campuses; and imparting education about sexually transmitted infections for young adults are central for improving condom use and attitudes toward condom use. Besides, inculcating sexual and reproductive health in the educational curriculum plays paramount importance.

Prevalence and Factors of Concurrent Multiple Male Sex Partnership Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With Regular Sex Partners in Beijing, China

This study was to test whether the cognitive factors of the theory of planned behavior were associated with concurrent multiple male sex partnership (CMMSP) status (past three months) and intention to have CMMSP (next six months) among 251 men who have male regular sex partners in Beijing, China. The prevalence of having had CMMSP and intention to do so was 48.2% and 28.7%, respectively. Positive attitudes toward CMMSP, injunctive norm for not having CMMSP, and behavioral control for not having CMMSP were significantly associated with behavioral intention. Descriptive norm and perceived behavioral control were significant factors for CMMSP status.

Prevalence and associated factors of risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students in state universities of Western Province in Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Risky sexual behaviors (RSB) are becoming an important problem all over the world. RSB are defined as behaviors leading to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of RSB among undergraduate students in state universities of Western Province in Sri Lanka.

METHODS

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on1575 second and third year undergraduates using stratified cluster sampling of the selected universities. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic, knowledge attitudes and behavior on reproductive health. RSB was defined as reporting of one or more following behavior/s; having more than one sexual partner, use of alcohol or inability to use condom or other contraceptive methods in sexual activities. The results were expressed as prevalence and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of RSB. Multiple logistic regression was performed ascertain the association between RSB and possible associated factors. The results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR).

RESULTS

Prevalence of RSB in last 1 year and 3 months periods were 12.4%, (95% CI: 11.8-13.1) and 12.1% (95% CI: 11.5-12.7) respectively. The significantly associated risk factors for RSB were, attended night clubs in last month (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.29-9.88), alcohol consumption within last 3 months (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.87-3.80) and good knowledge on condoms (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.94-4.10). Those who thought religion was very important to their lives (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.95) was a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol consumption and attending night clubs were associated with RSB. Necessary measures should be taken to reduce risk behaviors within university to reduce RSB.

Disparities in HIV/AIDS Risk Behaviors After Youth Leave Detention: A 14-Year Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

To examine changes in the prevalence of 15 HIV/AIDS sex and drug risk behaviors in delinquent youth during the 14 years after they leave detention, focusing on sex and racial/ethnic differences.

METHODS

The Northwestern Juvenile Project, a prospective longitudinal study of 1829 youth randomly sampled from detention in Chicago, Illinois, recruited between 1995 and 1998 and reinterviewed up to 11 times. Independent interviewers assessed HIV/AIDS risk behaviors using the National Institutes on Drug Abuse Risk Behavior Assessment.

RESULTS

Fourteen years after detention (median age, 30 years), one-quarter of males and one-tenth of females had >1 sexual partner in the past 3 months. One-tenth of participants reported recent unprotected vaginal sex with a high-risk partner. There were many sex and racial/ethnic differences. For example, African American males had 4.67 times the odds of having >1 partner than African American females (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.22-6.76). Over time, compared with non-Hispanic white males, African American males had 2.56 times the odds (95% CI, 1.97-3.33) and Hispanic males had 1.63 times the odds (95% CI, 1.24-2.12) of having multiple partners, even after adjusting for incarceration and age. Non-Hispanic white females were more likely to have multiple partners than racial/ethnic minority females.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rates decrease over time, prevalence of sex risk behaviors are much higher than the general population. Among males, racial/ethnic minorities were at particular risk. The challenge for pediatric health is to address how disproportionate confinement of racial/ethnic minority youth contributes to disparities in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Prevalence and Frequency of Heterosexual Anal Intercourse Among Young People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

We aim to assess if heterosexual anal intercourse (AI) is commonly practiced and how frequently it is practiced by young people. We searched PubMed for articles published 1975 to July 2014 reporting data on the proportion of young people (mean age <25) practicing heterosexual AI (AI prevalence) and on number of AI acts (AI frequency). Stratified random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to produce summary estimates and assess the influence of participant and study characteristics on AI prevalence. Eighty-three and thirteen of the 136 included articles reported data on lifetime AI prevalence and monthly AI frequency, respectively. Estimates were heterogenous. Overall summary estimates of lifetime AI prevalence were 22 % (95 % confidence interval 20-24) among sexually active young people, with no statistically significant differences by gender, continent or age. Prevalence increased significantly with confidentiality of interview method and, among males and in Europe, by survey year. Prevalence did not significantly differ by recall period. An estimated 3-24 % of all reported sex acts were AI. Reported heterosexual AI is common but variable among young people worldwide. To fully understand its impact on STI spread, more and better quality data on frequency of unprotected AI, and trends over time are required.

Simple but powerful health messages for increasing condom use in young adults

In a large longitudinal study involving young adults, we conducted an eight-hour STD educational intervention and examined the impact of the intervention on the efficacy of a message for promoting condom use. The message was framed in positive or negative terms and was presented visually or in numbers (percentages or frequencies). Results indicated that the numerical positive-framed message increased condom use among young adults who did not receive the intervention, whereas the numerical negative-framed message did not. Attitudes toward condom use along with changes in intentions to use condoms mediated this framing effect. In contrast, the positive-framed and negative-framed messages were equally and highly effective for promoting condom use when the messages were presented visually or when young adults received the STD educational intervention before reading the message, suggesting that the simple brochures featuring visual aids were as effective in changing attitudes and behavioral intentions as the extensive intervention. These findings add to a growing body of evidence detailing the mechanisms that allow well-constructed visual aids to be among the most effective, transparent, memorable, and ethically desirable means of risk communication. Clinical and public health implications are discussed.

Desired educational outcomes of disability-related training for the generalist physician: knowledge, attitudes, and skills

The problems adults with disabilities face obtaining quality primary care services are persistent and undermine national efforts to improve the health status of this group. Efforts to address this issue by providing disability-related training to physicians are hampered by limited information about what generalist physicians need to know to care for patients with disabilities. The authors consider the desired outcomes of disability-related training for generalists by exploring the contributions of the domains of knowledge, attitudes, and skills to patient-directed behavior and summarizing the empirical data.Because disability reflects a complex interplay among individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and societal factors, generalist physicians can promote and protect the health of adults with disabilities by interventions at multiple levels. Thus, the authors use the social-ecological framework, an approach to health promotion that recognizes the complex relationships between individuals and their environments, to delineate the recommended knowledge, attitudes, and skills in the context of primary care. The importance of role models who demonstrate the three domains, the interactions among them, and issues in evaluation are also discussed. This clear delineation of the recommended educational outcomes of disability-related training in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and skills will support efforts to better prepare generalist physicians-in training and in practice-to care for adults with disabilities and to evaluate these training strategies.

High-risk behaviours among juvenile prison inmates in Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

To assess the sexual- and drug-use-related risk behaviours of male juvenile detainees in Karachi, Pakistan.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted of prison inmates aged 15-21 years in Karachi Juvenile Prison in 2002. In total, 321 inmates were interviewed about sexual orientation and behaviours, and knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Urine specimens were collected and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using ligase chain reaction.

RESULTS

A substantial proportion (n=111, 34.6%) of the participants were sexually active. Sixty-two (19%) and 67 (21%) had had sex with a male or female before incarceration, respectively. Twenty-seven (8.4%) participants had an STI, and 50% of the 109 sexually active participants had had multiple sexual partners. Use of addictive substances was associated with sexual activity. The mean knowledge score computed from the sum of 16 items was 4.7, with a median of 2.9. A large proportion (40%) of participants knew about condoms, but very few (3.4%) had ever used one. The mean+/-standard deviation risk score from nine items was 2.4+/-1.7. On the basis of behavioural and biological markers, 117 (36.4%) participants had high-risk behaviour. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, knowledge, risk perception and age were predictive of higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV risk behaviours are common among adolescent inmates. Although inmates do have knowledge about modes of transmission and condom use, the use of condoms is significantly low. Interventions are needed for behavioural change among this group.

Alcohol, marijuana, and perceptions of influence on social and sexual behavior among African American adolescent female detainees

Juvenile detainees comprise a population that engages in high-risk behavior. This study examined sexual risk and substance use behavior and the perceptions of African American female adolescent detainees (N = 765) regarding the influence of alcohol and marijuana use on their social and sexual behaviors. Overall, 58% and 64% reported alcohol and marijuana use, respectively. Alcohol's perceived influence on sexual behavior (p < .001) was significantly different between those who drank and those who did not; marijuana's influence on social (p < .01) and sexual (p < .001) behavior was significantly different between those who used marijuana and those who did not. There is a need for further study of the influence of substance use on social and sexual behavior among African American female adolescent detainees.

Psychological and behavioural factors associated with sexual risk behaviour among Slovak students

Background

Knowledge about the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour (SRB) in adolescence is needed to prevent unwanted health consequences. Studies on SRB among adolescents in Central Europe are rare and mostly rely on a single indicator for SRB. This study aims to assess the association of behavioural and psychological factors with three types of SRB in adolescents in Central Europe.

Methods

We obtained data on behavioural factors (having been drunk during previous month, smoking during previous week, early sexual initiation), psychological factors (self-esteem, well-being, extroversion, neuroticism, religiousness), and SRB (intercourse under risky conditions, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use) in 832 Slovak university students (response 94.3%).

Results

Among those with sexual experience (62%), inconsistent condom use was the most prevalent risk behaviour (81% in females, 72% in males). With the exception of having been drunk in males, no factor was associated with inconsistent condom use. Regarding the other types of SRB, early sexual initiation was most strongly associated. In addition, other, mostly behavioural, factors were associated, in particular having been drunk.

Conclusion

Results suggest that behavioural factors are more closely related to SRB than psychological factors. Associations differ by type of SRB and gender but offer few clues to target risk groups for inconsistent condom use. Results show a high need for health-promotion programmes in early adolescence that target SRB in conjunction with other health risk behaviours such as alcohol abuse.

Effects of friendship closeness in an adolescent group HIV prevention intervention

Although many interventions for youth rely, explicitly or implicitly, on group effects, sparse theoretical or empirical attention has been paid to the rationale for choosing a small-group design. The present study assesses the role of friendship closeness among youth in prevention intervention groups in shaping their HIV risk-related attitudes, intentions, perceived self-efficacy and perceived norms. Data from an experimental test of a group HIV prevention intervention are used to assess the relationship of friendship on cognitive outcomes at posttest and 6-month follow-up, in a multilevel regression design. Friendship among group members was assessed at baseline and post-intervention, for youth in the experimental intervention and in a control, career exploration, condition. Level of friendship within the group was positively related to attendance and enjoyment of the intervention in the control group only. Most cognitive outcomes were unaffected by individual or group levels of friendship closeness, but those effects observed were opposite to those desired. Friendly groups were no more likely to converge in their cognitions over time than were less-friendly groups. The need for more research on the effects of friendship on intervention outcomes, and for multilevel analyses of group effects, are discussed.

Integrating service learning into a curriculum to reduce health risks at alternative high schools

Service learning has been identified as a promising approach to reduce sexual risk behavior, among other outcomes. This study used qualitative data analysis to offer suggestions for optimally integrating service learning into a program to reduce sexual risks among alternative school students. Data were collected from student participants in the All4You! Project using classroom materials, focus groups, and individual interviews. Project educators and project staff also provided data through summary forms and field notes. Qualitative data analysis revealed 5 strategies for creating positive service experiences for alternative school students: (1) find appropriate service-learning sites, (2) create staff support, (3) maintain appropriate student participation and behavior; (4) enhance student reflection on service-learning experiences, and (5) address students' self-images.

A Comparison of African American and Cuban American Adolescent Juvenile Offenders: Risky Sexual and Drug Use Behaviors

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in HIV seroconversion rates, with African American and Hispanic youth in the 13-19-year-old age group representing 61% and 21% of new AIDS cases, respectively. The aim of this study was to examine sexual and drug use behaviors among a sample of 138 African American and Cuban American juvenile offenders. Cuban American adolescents showed higher levels of unprotected sex, higher levels of sex while using drugs, and higher levels of drug/alcohol use in the three and six months prior to confinement. These differences may be explained by multiple factors, including differences in acculturation levels among the Cuban American adolescents, differences in health messages targeted at the two groups, and family mores and norms.

Unprotected sex as a function of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescent detainees

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between the use of two substances (alcohol and marijuana) and the occurrence of unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescent detainees.

METHODS

Participants were asked about their use of alcohol, marijuana, and condoms. In addition to comparing levels of alcohol and marijuana use, the study examined relationships among the following variables: (a) the number of days that each substance was used and the number of unprotected episodes of sexual intercourse in the 30 days preceding admission to a youth detention center; (b) the number of times that each substance was used before or during sexual intercourse and the number of unprotected episodes in the same time period; (c) the use of each substance and unprotected intercourse at the last sexual episode; and (d) intentions to use each substance in the context of sex and to have unprotected intercourse in the future. Relationships among these variables were assessed in four regression models, each of which included participants' demographic characteristics, AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward condoms, and future orientation as covariates.

RESULTS

Results of all four regression models indicated that marijuana use was associated with unprotected sexual intercourse. Adolescents who used more marijuana in general as well as specifically in sexual episodes in the 30 days preceding detention reported higher levels of unprotected sex. In addition, marijuana use in the last episode was related to the occurrence of unprotected sex during that episode. Moreover, intentions to use marijuana in future sexual episodes was associated with intentions to have unprotected intercourse in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should use more rigorous research designs to clarify the nature of the relationship between marijuana use and risky sex.

Hispanic adults' beliefs, attitudes, and intentions regarding the female condom

The present study used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (Ajzen, 1985) augmented by AIDS knowledge to investigate factors influencing intentions of Hispanic adults to use the female condom. A total of 146 persons (75 women and 71 men; mean age, 27 years) recruited from community-based organizations completed an anonymous survey regarding intentions to use the female condom with their main sex partner. The TPB model had greater predictive utility for women's, than for men's, female condom use intentions. For men, attitudes and norms did not predict female condom use intentions, but greater AIDS knowledge was related to lower intentions to use the female condom, above and beyond the TPB constructs. Perceived behavioral control, operationalized as self-efficacy, significantly increased the predictive utility of the TPB model for women's female condom use intentions but not for men's. Behavior change strategies to increase female condom use are discussed in light of these findings.

Changes in incarcerated adolescents' human immunodeficiency virus knowledge and selected behaviors from 1988 to 1996

Data were collected from juveniles in Alabama and Florida correctional facilities. The samples were closely demographically matched. Analysis indicated significant increases in knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus between 1988 and 1996 and increased sexual risk behaviors. Knowledge levels were lower for ethnic minority groups and boys, suggesting ethnic- and gender-specific pedagogical aids are needed.

A randomized, controlled trial of a behavioral intervention to prevent sexually transmitted disease among minority women

BACKGROUND

African-American and Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted diseases, including the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the effort to reduce infection rates, it is important to create and evaluate behavioral interventions that are specific to the target populations.

METHODS

We enrolled women with nonviral sexually transmitted diseases in a randomized trial of a sex- and culture-specific behavioral intervention. The intervention consisted of three small-group sessions of three to four hours each designed to help women recognize personal susceptibility, commit to changing their behavior, and acquire necessary skills. The control group received standard counseling about sexually transmitted diseases. The design of the intervention was based on the AIDS Risk Reduction Model and ethnographic data on the study populations. Participants in both groups underwent screening, counseling, and an interview before randomization and at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. The principal outcome variable was subsequent chlamydial or gonorrheal infection, which was evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis by logistic-regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 424 Mexican-Americans and 193 African-American women were enrolled; 313 were assigned to the intervention group and 304 to the control group. The rate of participation in the intervention was 90 percent. The rates of retention in the sample were 82 and 89 percent at the 6- and 12-month visits, respectively. Rates of subsequent infection were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group during the first 6 months (11.3 vs. 17.2 percent, P=0.05), during the second 6 months (9.1 vs. 17.7 percent, P=0.008), and over the entire 12-month study period (16.8 vs. 26.9 percent, P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

A risk-reduction intervention consisting of three small-group sessions significantly decreased the rates of chlamydial and gonorrheal infection among Mexican-American and African-American women at high risk for sexually transmitted disease.

Sexual and physical abuse among incarcerated youth: implications for sexual behavior, contraceptive use, and teenage pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, physical and sexual abuse among incarcerated youth were examined with respect to sexual activity, contraceptive use, and pregnancy.

METHOD

The self-report survey data were collected from 62 females and 334 males who were incarcerated in Nevada youth correctional facilities in the summer of 1994. Of the males, 46.8% (n = 156) reported a history of physical abuse and 9.9% (n = 33) reported sexual abuse. A surprisingly high 73% (n = 46) of the females reported a history of physical abuse and 68.3% (n = 43) reported sexual abuse.

RESULTS

The analyses indicated that females who reported a history of sexual abuse had an earlier mean age of first intercourse than those who reported no sexual abuse. In addition, male and female respondents with a history of physical and/or sexual abuse reported using no method of contraception as compared to youth with no history of abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications of these results for detention-based counseling and prevention programming are discussed.

Beliefs about condoms and their association with intentions to use condoms among youths in detention

PURPOSE

Youths in detention have been identified as a high-risk group for AIDS. To help inform AIDS-prevention efforts targeted for these youths, we surveyed youths in detention regarding their sexual behaviors, beliefs about condoms, intentions to use condoms, and actual condom use. We examined race and gender differences in these beliefs and behaviors, and we studied the relationship of these beliefs to condom-use intentions.

METHODS

Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 201 youths in detention who were, on average, 16 years old. The sample was stratified on gender and race (African-American and white), with approximately equal numbers in each group.

RESULTS

The results indicate that these youths had engaged in behaviors that put them at high risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Although they used condoms somewhat more consistently with casual partners than with their steady partners, the majority did not use condoms consistently with either partner type. Very few race or gender differences were found with regard to condom use, intentions to use condoms, or beliefs about the consequences of using condoms. Beliefs associated with intentions to use condoms with steady partners included protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the beliefs that condoms reduce pleasure, are artificial, unromantic, and interrupt sex. In contrast, only the belief that condoms prevent pregnancy was related to intentions to use condoms with casual partners.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that interventions targeted at African-American and white males and females in detention need not differ greatly in content as long as they include the most salient concerns of each group; that interventions include content on the two protective benefits of condom use (pregnancy and STD prevention), as well as on how to minimize the perceived negative aspects of condom use; that they stress the need for condom use with steady as well as casual partners; and that they stress that anal intercourse is especially risky with regard to AIDS transmission.