Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Correlates of Condom Use among Young Adults from Continuation High Schools

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Youth from continuation high schools (CHS) exhibit riskier sexual behaviors than other high school youth, yet the associations between intrapersonal and interpersonal constructs and condom-using behavior are not fully understood within this population. It is unknown which of these variables may be more strongly associated with condom use. This study explored the effects of parentadolescent communication, perceived HIV susceptibility, condom use peer norms, and condom use selfefficacy on lifetime and recent condom use and the potential moderating effects by gender and Latino ethnicity. Methods: A non-experimental study was conducted with 111 CHS young adults in Southern California who previously participated in a substance abuse prevention intervention. Ordinal logistic regression models assessed the associations between each construct and condom use and included interaction terms by gender and Latino ethnicity. Results: Parent-adolescent communication during adolescence and within the past 6 months as well as peer norms that support condom use were significantly associated with lifetime and recent condom use. Perceived HIV risk and condom use selfefficacy showed no effect. Relationships were not moderated by gender or Latino ethnicity. Conclusion: Findings highlight the salutary influence of parents and peers on personal condom use. Future research should explore intrapersonal factors that may motivate consistent condom use.