CORRELATES OF CONDOM USE AMONG INCARCERATED ADOLESCENTS IN A RURAL STATE

An anonymous self-report survey was completed by 335 sexually active, incarcerated adolescents in a southern rural state. Multivariate logis tic regression analysis was used to identify correlates of condom use during sexual intercourse. Four variables were identified as associate d with frequent condom use: nonuse of marijuana, nonuse of beer, askin g sexual partners about their sexual history, and feeling worried abou t friends contracting AIDS. This four-variable model was highly signif icant, correctly classifying 70% of the adolescents in their condom-us e categories. The intersecting nature of substance use and the HIV epi demic is discussed, as well as the importance of teaching substance re fusal skills and sexual communication and negotiation skills to incarc erated adolescents.