HEALTH BELIEFS AND TEENAGE CONDOM USE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

Results from a longitudinal survey of sexual behaviour and HIV-relevan t cognitions amongst 258 sexually-active adolescents are reported. Dem ographic characteristics, previous sexual experience, prior condom use , beliefs specified by the health belief model (I-IBM), peer norms reg arding condom use and condom use intentions were measured using a conf idential postal questionnaire. Measures of sexual behaviour and condom use consistency were included in a follow-up questionnaire one year l ater. A discriminant analysis revealed that demographic and HEM measur es did not predict reported sexual activity over the study year. Path analysis revealed that intentions and HEM measures did not account for significant proportions of variance in consistency of condom use or m ediate the effects of prior sexual experience or demographic measures; Those reporting more frequent sexual intercourse were less likely to use condoms consistently while those who had used condoms previously r eported more consistent use. Gender differences suggested that young w omen's good intentions were less likely to be translated into subseque nt, consistent condom use. Theoretical and applied in;plications are c onsidered.