SEX, AIDS, AND THE USE OF CONDOMS - A SURVEY OF COMPLIANCE IN COLLEGE-STUDENTS

To evaluate compliance with the suggestion that condoms be used during risky sexual activity, 206 college students' use of condoms during ge nital and anal sex was surveyed. Analysis indicated that 78% engaged i n genital intercourse, and while 20% always used a condom, 44% used co ndoms less than half the time. Of the 10% engaged in anal sex, 90% did not use condoms. Students at highest risk (with the most partners) we re using condoms least often. All respondents reported knowing AIDS wa s transmitted sexually. Nonetheless, reasons given for not using condo ms were belief they knew their partners' sexual history or another for m of birth control was being used. Results suggest that outcome studie s are needed to assess programs which focus on behavioral change, incl uding use of condoms.