FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INTENTION TO USE CONDOMS IN QUEBEC SEXUALLY-INACTIVE MALE-ADOLESCENTS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether attitudes and other variables would be associated with intention to use condoms in sexually-inactive male adolescents. Methods: The survey was conduct ed from April to June 1989 on a sample of 879 sexually-inactive boys a ged 12-19 years registered in secondary schools in Laval, Quebec. Resu lts: The major findings of the study were that: (1) information on con doms provided by peers was significantly associated with the intention to use condoms; (2) information provided by schools, while not signif icant in the final model, was positively associated with younger adole scents' intention to use condoms; and (3) sexually-inactive male adole scents in a less committed couple relationship had a greater intention to use condoms. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the importance of peer instructors as a source of information on condoms, as well as that of teachers and health professionals from the school e nvironment. Other channels of communication, however, need to be devel oped particularly for older sexually-inactive adolescents who may be i mpervious to this latter source. The findings also underline the neces sity to make sexually-inactive adolescents in stable couple relationsh ips more aware of their potential vulnerability to STDs and AIDS shoul d they commence sexual relations.